Make Learning As Addictive As Social Media - Quickly Make Progress At Anything | Cal Newport
Added: Nov 7, 2023
In a recent podcast episode, Cal Newport discusses the idea of making learning as addictive as social media. He delves into the science of motivation and distraction to argue that while making learning as addictive as social media may be doomed to failure, there is a lasting and effective way to make learning more appealing.Key takeaways
Leverage the episodic future thinking (EFT) system to prioritize activities aligned with long-term goals and values over immediate rewards.
Integrate reflection into the workday by setting aside time after meetings and deep work sessions to process and close task loops.
Establish a solid shutdown ritual at the end of the workday to reflect on the day's events, update to-do lists, and plan for the next day.
Model a lifestyle of intellectual engagement at home to influence children's intellectual development positively.
Quantify goals and estimate time for tasks systematically to gain a realistic understanding of workload and reduce stress.
Newport begins by discussing a TED Talk by Louis Van An, the co-founder of Duolingo, who argues that the language learning app uses techniques like streaks, notifications, and a fun mascot to make learning more engaging and addictive. However, Newport believes that trying to win the dopamine game against other attention-engineered applications is not feasible, as learning inherently requires strain and effort, unlike the pure reward of social media apps.
Instead, Newport suggests leveraging the episodic future thinking (EFT) system, a different motivational system that allows humans to project themselves into the future and imagine positive outcomes based on deeply held values and goals. This system, which involves heightened brain activity and increased connectivity between distinct brain regions, can beat the dopamine system and lead to more meaningful and long-lasting motivation.
To harness the power of EFT, Newport recommends exposing oneself to examples of people who have successfully pursued a love of learning and clarifying one's own values and vision for the future. By doing so, individuals can override the immediate rewards of social media and prioritize activities that align with their long-term goals and values.
Newport emphasizes the significance of treating learning and reflection as integral parts of the work process. He advises integrating reflection into the workday by setting aside time after meetings and deep work sessions to process and close the loops on tasks. This approach allows individuals to stay on top of their work and prevent the need for late-night work sessions or the feeling of being overwhelmed by unfinished tasks.
Additionally, Newport highlights the importance of establishing a solid shutdown ritual. This ritual should involve setting aside time at the end of the workday to reflect on the day's events, update to-do lists, and plan for the next day. By creating a structured routine for wrapping up the workday, individuals can avoid the temptation to continue working after hours and ensure that they have time for personal reflection and relaxation.
Furthermore, Newport emphasizes the role of modeling a life of the mind and intellectual engagement at home. He suggests that parents can influence their children's intellectual development by modeling a lifestyle that prioritizes reading, engaging with ideas, and staying away from excessive screen time. By creating an environment that values deep thinking and intellectual pursuits, parents can instill these values in their children and set them on a path towards intellectual growth.
Newport also addresses the concept of Ultra learning and its compatibility with slow productivity. He explains that Ultra learning is not about learning quickly or constantly, but rather about using specific techniques to learn difficult or ambitious subjects. By mastering difficult skills, individuals can open up new possibilities and achieve their long-term goals. Newport emphasizes that Ultra learning is a valuable tool for slow productivity practitioners, as it allows for a systematic approach to learning and skill development.
The podcast also delves into the importance of quantifying goals and estimating time for tasks. Newport shares the example of a task planner in Excel that allows for the quantification of projects, estimated time, and percentage completion. This approach provides valuable feedback on the time required for tasks and helps individuals gain a realistic understanding of their workload. By being systematic and realistic about time management, individuals can reduce stress and gain more control over their schedules.
In addition to discussing productivity and learning, Newport shares his reading list for the month of October 2023. He highlights books such as "Build the Life You Want" by Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey, "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, "Dr. No" by Ian Fleming, "A" by Docker Kelner, and "Israel" by Noah Tisby. Newport also mentions his extensive reading on the history of Israel, emphasizing the value of reading and learning from diverse perspectives.
Related episodes
