# How To Change Your Life By Journaling - Escape Mediocrity & Improve Clarity | Cal Newport ![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ptcgqoMQ33A/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Structured journaling [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=0s) - [[Master narratives]] are general descriptions of an ideal lifestyle that can be used to guide life choices. [(00:05:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=352s) - [[Structured journaling]] is a technique for clarifying personal values and developing a master narrative. [(00:08:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=503s) - The process of structured journaling involves regularly noting down experiences that resonate with the individual, and then periodically reviewing and refining a list of personal values and desired lifestyle properties. [(00:09:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=564s) ## What does Cal think of goal planning systems? [(00:24:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=1490s) - Goal-setting systems, like the Best Self Journal, are useful tools for working towards specific goals and can help individuals develop a goal-oriented mindset. [(00:25:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=1520s) - Relying solely on one goal-setting system may not be sufficient for addressing the diverse range of challenges and goals encountered in life. [(00:25:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=1556s) - Goal pursuit is a complex process that may require individuals to engage in upfront work, such as gaining a deeper understanding of their goals or developing discipline and strategies tailored to specific goals. [(00:26:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=1564s) ## How can college students cultivate a deep life? [(00:27:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=1621s) - Students should simplify their schedules and not overload themselves with difficult courses and extracurriculars because admissions officers and job recruiters do not prioritize this. [(00:29:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=1776s) - Students should invest in their studies by reading books and attending talks related to their field of study, even if it's not a direct requirement for a class. [(00:31:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=1882s) - Students should create a positive and engaging study environment that fosters a love for learning. [(00:31:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=1904s) ## Can I live a deep life as a lawyer? [(00:34:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2078s) - The goal is not to pursue a specific job, but to live a life as close to one's ideal lifestyle as possible. [(00:35:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2113s) - To achieve this, one should engage in "lifestyle-centered career planning" which involves determining a "master narrative" for their life in their 20s, specifically their late 20s. [(00:35:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2121s) - Once the "master narrative" is established, one should work backward, considering different paths and opportunities available to them, such as law or philosophy, and assess their feasibility in relation to their desired lifestyle. [(00:35:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2151s) ## How does Cal keep track of the books he wants to read? [(00:40:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2438s) - It is considered acceptable to pursue other ventures outside of work if an individual is meeting their employer's expectations and their employment contract does not specify set work hours. [(00:41:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2515s) - Individuals are encouraged to utilize their free time to pursue activities aligned with their personal goals and aspirations, such as creative projects, hobbies, or personal development. [(00:42:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2551s) - Having a clear personal narrative and vision for one's ideal lifestyle can provide direction and motivation for utilizing free time effectively. [(00:43:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2589s) ## I finish all my work in a single day. Is this unethical? [(00:43:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2615s) - There is no formal book list or system for choosing books to read. [(00:43:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2635s) - The selection process is driven by current interests and moods, prioritizing enjoyment and excitement in reading. [(00:44:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2660s) - Reading is seen as a beneficial activity that enhances mental familiarity and provides exercise for the mind. [(00:46:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2789s) ## How do I cultivate a deep life in a busy career? [(00:47:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2846s) - It is suggested that instead of taking on multiple jobs, it is more beneficial to focus on one and manage it effectively by prioritizing deep work, streamlining shallow work, and establishing clear communication patterns. [(00:48:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2914s) - It is recommended to simplify one's life by focusing on a lifestyle-centric approach, determining an ideal lifestyle, and leveraging existing career capital to achieve it. [(00:49:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=2990s) - The speaker plans to simplify their own life and focus on fewer things in the future. [(00:50:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3031s) ## Should I leave a perfect job? [(00:51:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3080s) - The current job being discussed is fully remote and results-driven, with no team meetings and progress tracked on shared spreadsheets. [(00:51:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3080s) - To obtain a professional certification, a new job may be necessary, either in addition to or as a replacement for the current position. [(00:51:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3106s) - When interviewing for new jobs, it is recommended to inquire about the company's philosophies on workload management, communication, and collaboration to gauge their approach to work and determine if they have structured systems in place. [(00:54:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3272s) ## Career capital theory in action [(00:56:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3417s) - Patrick, a 35-year-old with an associate's degree in engineering, had been repairing lab instruments for 10 years. [(00:57:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3438s) - He considered getting his bachelor's degree or changing careers for higher pay to support his growing family. [(00:57:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3450s) - Instead of making a drastic change, Patrick focused on learning a software system used for repairs that his coworkers avoided, becoming the go-to person for this skill and ultimately earning a promotion. [(00:57:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3476s) ## Jon M. Chu on Creativity and Hard Work [(01:04:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3859s) - [[Jon M. Chu]], director of the movie *Wicked*, believes that creativity is the result of hard work and a structured schedule, not a magical process. [(01:04:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3873s) - The true dichotomy relevant to creativity is not between structure and creativity, but between creativity and distraction. [(01:06:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=3987s) - Structure, planning, and time blocking are tools that combat distraction and enable creativity, not hinder it. [(01:07:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcgqoMQ33A&t=4031s)