Pile On Motivation

Join 21.1K other subscribers

Tag: Cal Newport insights

  • Control your Idle Brain

    Control your Idle Brain

    Why should you control your Idle Brain?

    The reasons to control the idle brain will become clearer as and when we understand what our brain does when it is idle.

    When idle we focus either on ourselves or other people, hence if we can get a handle on this when we are not thinking our lives will be better.

    The following insight inspired from Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism elaborates on the same.

    Control your Idle Brain

    For another interesting insight inspired from the same book, please visit this link:

    https://viewpointsunplugged.com/the-need-for-mouse-book-clubs/

    To know more about Cal Newport and his work, please visit this link:

    https://calnewport.com

  • The Need for Mouse Book Clubs

    The Need for Mouse Book Clubs

    Why do we need more Mouse Book Clubs?

    The need for more mouse book clubs emanates from their novel idea around smartphone size booklets to serve as an antidote for cell phone addiction.

    The idea of replacing smartphone time with time spent in reading books was revolutionary at the time. Similar concepts that can help reduce screen time of modern digital users can go a long way in leading to a balanced and fulfilling life.

    Shown below is the snapshot with the details around the concept of this book club.

    The Need for Mouse Book Clubs

    For another interesting insight inspired from the same book Digital Minimalism, please visit this link:

    https://viewpointsunplugged.com/the-amish-community-and-digital-minimalism/

    To know more about Cal Newport and his work, please visit:

    https://calnewport.com

  • The AMISH COMMUNITY and Digital Minimalism

    The AMISH COMMUNITY and Digital Minimalism

    What makes the Amish Community Digital Minimalists?

    The quirk around the Amish Community and Digital Minimalism has been illustrated by Cal Newport in his book Digital Minimalism.

    The life style of this community is indeed a lesson in itself. The way they distance themselves from modern lifestyle and modern technology is a masterclass in digital minimalism.

    As illustrated by Cal Newport in his book the following snapshot elaborates on the same.

    For another interesting insight from one such book of Cal Newport, please visit this link:

    https://viewpointsunplugged.com/detach-from-computer-for-deep-work/

    To know more about Cal Newport and his work, please visit this link:

    https://calnewport.com

  • Learn the Art of Slow Productivity

    Learn the Art of Slow Productivity

    Why learn the art of Slow Productivity?

    If there is something I would like to advise you all it would be to learn the art of slow productivity. This is what I have started practicing on a regular basis.

    In his book, the author Cal Newport enlightens us on the merits of not trying to do too many things at a time. He makes us aware of the harmful consequences of being “always on”.

    In essence there are three principles of slow productivity extended from the concept of a slow cooked healthy traditional meal:

    1. DO fewer things
    2. Work at a natural pace
    3. Obsess over quality

    When these principles are applied in our daily work and personal lives, it would not only become fulfilling it would give us more enjoyment as well as work life balance.

    Hence I encourage all of you to consider adopting these principles.

    Learn the Art of Slow Productivity

    For another similar insight inspired from the same book please visit:

    https://viewpointsunplugged.com/slow-productivity-and-fulfillment/

    To know more about the author and his work, please visit:

    https://calnewport.com

  • Slow Productivity and Fulfillment

    Slow Productivity and Fulfillment

    How can Slow Productivity lead to fulfillment?

    One of the most important things about which I have changed my mind in recent times is around productivity. Doing more things and always being on is not productivity. Rather in this blog post my goal is to highlight how slow productivity can lead to fulfillment.

    In his book Cal Newport mentions that this is the best way to approach a fulfilling life based on three key principles:

    1. Do fewer things
    2. Work at a natural pace
    3. Obsess over quality

    Also important is the fact that doing work in small increments at a natural pace over a period of time can destress ourselves yet help achieve success over the long run.

    This is a far cry from what we end up doing in the hustle and bustle of modern life wherein doing more stuff and remain always on matters.

    Here is another wonderful tip to relax our brain for high quality output.

    slow productivity and fulfillment

    For another insightful post around the same topic, please visit this link:

    https://viewpointsunplugged.com/why-i-am-a-big-fan-of-cal-newport/

    To know more about Cal Newport and his work, please visit this link:

    https://calnewport.com

  • Detach from Computer for Deep Work

    Detach from Computer for Deep Work

    Life away from Computer is where Deep Work starts

    As mentioned by Cal Newport in his book, deep work is becoming increasingly valuable in the new economy. For me life without computer helps me detach from computer for deep work.

    In his hypothesis, Cal Newport says that all of those who inculcate the ability to work for extended period of time with intense focus will become valuable by the day in this new economy.

    This needs a life without social media and use of any form of electronic gadget that takes away our focus from things that matter. The below interesting insight inspired from the same book of Cal Newport elaborates on the same.

    Detach from computer for deep work

    For another interesting insight from the same book, please visit:

    https://viewpointsunplugged.com/avoid-social-media-overuse-why/

    To know more about Cal Newport and his work please visit:

    https://calnewport.com

  • Trust Deliberate Practice NOT Superstition

    Trust Deliberate Practice NOT Superstition

    Daily writing prompt
    Are you superstitious?
    View all responses

    We have heard and seen many great personalities being superstitious. In this blog post I will elaborate why you should trust deliberate practice and not superstition.

    History bears ample testimony to that fact that all successful people have had lucky breaks. But it equally true that they have made full use of the chance because of their preparedness.

    Thus deliberate practice have made them well prepared for an opportunity resulting in HIGH Return on Luck.

    Read this blog post to understand how AMD lost a golden chance to topple Intel in the 90’s because of their lack of preparedness.

    https://viewpointsunplugged.com/when-amd-squandered-good-luck/

    At the same time acquiring a skill through deliberate practice demands a lot of hard work and preparation as mentioned below.

    Trust Deliberate Practice NOT Superstition

    Thus my honest advise to you all is that trust deliberate practice and not superstition. Put in those hours that go into making you well prepared for an opportunity.

    Read this book from Cal Newport if you have not already done..

    https://www.amazon.in/GOOD-THEY-CANT-IGNORE-YOU/dp/0349415862

  • Slow Productivity is Healthy

    Slow Productivity is Healthy

    Daily writing prompt
    What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.
    View all responses

    One question I hate to be asked is on the slow speed of progress. In this blog post I will let you know that Slow Productivity is healthy and in the long run can lead to fulfillment.

    In the hustle and bustle of modern life more often than not we ignore benefits of slow progress.

    Slow productivity is healthy and recommends three things:

    1. Working at a natural pace
    2. Doing fewer things
    3. Obsessing over quality.
    Slow Productivity is Healthy

    Read this blog post inspired from Cal Newport’s book to understand about this better.

    https://viewpointsunplugged.com/do-you-know-the-benefits-of-slow-productivity/

    To know more about Cal Newport please visit this link:

    https://calnewport.com

  • SLOW FOOD is the BEST

    SLOW FOOD is the BEST

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you or your family make any special dishes for the holidays?
    View all responses

    During holiday season we do make special dishes and enjoy the feeling of togetherness away from the hustle and bustle of work life. Slow Food is the best food and is the way to go during holiday season.

    Slow food is food that is prepared using traditional methods and high-quality, usually local, ingredients.

    Since you find your mind and soul into this kind of food it tastes even better.

    In this regard I would definitely like to mention an insight from Slow Productivity by Cal Newport.

    Slow Food is the Best

    https://viewpointsunplugged.com/like-slow-food-like-slow-productivity/

    Just as Slow Food is good for health so is slow productivity. Once you are mindful of the work you are doing by taking the time that you deserve the quality of the work enhances and you achieve fulfillment.

    To know more about the great insights from this book of Cal Newport I would highly encourage all of you to read this book:

    https://www.amazon.in/Slow-Productivity-Accomplishment-Without-Burnout/dp/024165291X

  • Inculcate the HABIT of DEEP WORK

    Inculcate the HABIT of DEEP WORK

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s the trait you value most about yourself?
    View all responses

    The trait I value most about myself is the ability to work with a great deal of focus for an extended period of time. This blog post will inspire you to inculcate the habit of deep work.

    In his book Deep Work, Cal Newport enlightens us on the need of Deep Work in the modern era.

    Is your current WORK INTENSE and needs HIGH CONCENTRATION?Your recipe for DEEP WORK..