Why Do Better Tools Make Me Worse at My Job? (w/ David Epstein) | Monday Advice

What can an obscure theory of industrial productivity teach us about producing better results in a distracted world? In this episode, Cal is joined by the #1 New York Times bestselling author David Epstein to explore this question. They dive deep into a chapter of Epstein’s new book, INSIDE THE BOX, that makes a surprising connection between the so-called “Theory of Constraints” and personal productivity.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to podcast@calnewport.com.

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

(0:00) How do I get busy to better?

(3:04) INTERVIEW: How Do I Get from Busy to Better? (w/ David Epstein)

(57:58) Post Interview chatter

(1:00:19) A suggestion to break digital news app addictions

(1:05:54) A reaction to a recent newsletter

(1:15:02) What Cal read

(1:16:29) What’s coming up

Books:

Kook (Peter Heller)

Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow

Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/%C2%A0

Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee…

calnewport.com/who-asked-for-this

Thanks to our Sponsors:

factormeals.com/deep50off

wayfair.com

mybodytutor.com

shopify.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.

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