# How I Manage My Time - The Weekly Productivity Template To Achieve More | Cal Newport  ## Weekly Templates [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=0s) - A key piece of productivity toolkit is the weekly template, which is a collection of guidelines put in place at the beginning of a quarter to ensure weeks are viable in moving towards goals [(00:00:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=21s). - The weekly template is part of a multiscale planning framework that starts at the time scale of the current quarter, with a strategic plan or quarterly plan for that period [(00:00:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=43s). - Every week, the quarterly plan is reviewed to create a weekly plan, which involves looking at the calendar and task capture system to put aside time for important initiatives and make adjustments as needed [(00:01:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=71s). - The weekly plan is then reviewed every morning to create a daily plan, which involves time blocking and giving every minute of the day a clear purpose [(00:01:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=104s). - The weekly template is used to span from the quarterly plan to the weekly plan, providing a piece of supporting infrastructure to ensure the big picture vision is influencing daily activities [(00:02:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=127s). - There are four types of things that can be put in a weekly template, with the first element being protected time, which is a certain time each week that is preemptively protected for a specific activity [(00:02:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=166s). - Protected time can be used for activities such as writing, exercise, or working on a specific project, and is blocked out on the calendar for the entire quarter [(00:03:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=198s). - The weekly template is used to ensure that weeks are viable in moving towards goals, and to provide a sense of consistency and structure throughout the quarter [(00:02:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=151s). - A weekly productivity template includes a simple rule for dedicating time to a specific activity, such as writing every morning, but it's essential to acknowledge that exceptions will occur and have a plan to handle them [(00:04:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=240s). - Exceptions can be regular events like monthly faculty meetings or one-time events like school activities, and having an exception handling routine can help compensate for lost time [(00:04:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=285s). - A weekly template can include daily themes, where specific days are dedicated to certain types of activities, such as meeting days and non-meeting days, or theming days based on roles or tasks [(00:05:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=315s). - Daily themes can help prioritize tasks and make the most of the available time, for example, having Mondays as non-meeting days to focus on getting into the week and making progress [(00:05:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=338s). - Theming days can also be based on specific roles or tasks, such as dedicating Tuesdays to meetings for one role and Wednesdays to meetings for another role [(00:06:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=362s). - In an academic career, daily themes can be based on class days and non-class days, with class days focused on teaching and non-research tasks, and non-class days focused on research and unbroken time for deep work [(00:06:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=381s). - Fridays can be themed as a lighter day, with no meetings in the afternoon and a finish time of 3 pm [(00:06:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=413s). - A weekly productivity template can include regular rules and limits to help manage time effectively and achieve more, such as setting aside 15 minutes after each meeting or call for processing and getting things into systems [(00:07:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=444s). - Rules and limits can be specific to a particular quarter, such as not taking on speaking gigs while trying to finish a book manuscript or limiting the number of podcasts per week [(00:08:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=484s). - Quotas can also be included, such as only doing one podcast per week or limiting the number of committees to join [(00:08:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=506s). - Having these rules in place makes it easier to react to incoming requests and helps maintain focus on important tasks [(00:08:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=535s). - Autopilot scheduling involves looking at regular tasks and deciding when to do them in advance, such as scheduling online classes or specific work tasks for certain days and times [(00:09:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=563s). - Autopilot scheduling can help reduce the need to think about when to do regular tasks each week and can help maintain a consistent routine [(00:09:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=577s). - Office hours can be an effective addition to autopilot scheduling, allowing for focused work time and minimizing distractions [(00:10:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=628s). - Regularly scheduling time to handle short tasks that require back-and-forth interaction can help manage time more efficiently and reduce inbox clutter [(00:10:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=630s). - Office hours can be used to compress interactions that would otherwise require multiple messages and responses, making it a useful tool for time management [(00:11:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=692s). - Time protection involves setting aside specific times for tasks, such as writing or brainstorming, and can be used in conjunction with autopilot scheduling [(00:11:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=711s). - Autopilot scheduling involves setting specific time blocks for regular tasks, such as prepping a course or going through a batch of work [(00:12:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=729s). - A weekly template can be used to organize time and tasks, and can be tailored to a specific quarter or time period [(00:12:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=744s). - The weekly template should include elements such as meeting days, non-meeting days, and time blocks for specific tasks, and can be adjusted as needed [(00:13:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=785s). - Reviewing and adjusting the weekly template on a quarterly basis can help ensure that it remains effective and relevant [(00:13:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=808s). - It's essential to be realistic when creating a weekly template, as overly ambitious plans may not be sustainable [(00:13:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=816s). - The quarterly plan should be used as a guide for creating the weekly template, and should be adjusted as needed to reflect changes in priorities or tasks [(00:13:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=810s). - A weekly productivity template can be adjusted as needed, and it's a good idea to reflect on what's working and what's not at the end of each quarter to gain deeper insights into one's job and working life [(00:13:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=828s). - Reflecting on weekly templates can provide deeper insights into what's working and what's not in one's job, compared to just thinking about a typical day, which can be busy or non-busy, and may have deadlines or periods of boredom [(00:13:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=832s). - Adjusting a weekly template can help identify what one is looking for in their working life, what's working, and what's not, and can provide insights into whether one is suited for a self-paced job or a job with a meeting pace [(00:14:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=863s). - A weekly template can live in a sweet spot between the idiosyncratic difficulties of a particular day and the big picture visions of where one wants to be in the long term [(00:15:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=900s). - A weekly template should include elements such as regularly protected time, themes for various days, rules and limits, and autopilot scheduling [(00:15:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=922s). - Having a weekly template can make one feel like they have a different job, with weeks that are less exhausting and more productive, and can reduce frustration [(00:15:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=938s). - The key is to figure out a weekly template that works for one's specific situation and to make adjustments as needed [(00:15:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=922s). - When starting writing, it's usually around 8:30, but sometimes earlier, with the goal of getting in two hours of writing, and the start time may vary depending on the day's schedule [(00:16:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=974s). ## How does Cal schedule his evening writing sessions? [(00:25:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1540s) - Evening writing sessions are typically scheduled for about an hour, either in the office or at a coffee shop, such as Bevco, to work on complicated stories or articles that require a high level of thinking and writing caliber, such as those for [[The New Yorker]] [(00:25:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1540s). - These sessions are roughly time-blocked, but not formally scheduled, as the goal is to make a running start on a challenging piece by changing the environment and harnessing inspiration [(00:25:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1547s). - The evening writing sessions are not used as overflow time to finish unfinished work from the day, as this would indicate that the plan was too ambitious or the focus during the day was insufficient [(00:26:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1560s). - Once a piece is started and making progress, it can be scheduled in a more workmanlike manner, but the initial evening sessions are used to break into the piece and gain momentum [(00:26:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1612s). - The evening writing sessions are used to try to break into a challenging piece by coming at it from a new environment and time, in order to gain inspiration and make a running start [(00:26:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1608s). ## How can I leverage my current career capital to become an entrepreneur? [(00:27:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1620s) - When facing a deadline, a long weekend writing session of around five hours is often used to catch up, which may involve working from home or a separate location while family members engage in other activities [(00:27:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1620s). - A question from Mark, a new high school teacher and member of a successful band, inquires about the best approach to leverage his current career capital to become an entrepreneur [(00:27:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1648s). - The concept of "passion" is viewed with skepticism, as it may simply mean being interested in an idea rather than having a genuine predisposition for a particular job [(00:27:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1665s). - Instead of focusing on passion, lifestyle-centric planning is recommended, which involves creating a holistic vision of one's ideal lifestyle in a few years and 10 years or more, covering all areas of life [(00:28:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1712s). - This vision should be aspirational and capture the rhythms and realities of daily life, including the type of place one lives in, daily routines, and surroundings [(00:28:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1723s). - Career capital is then assessed to see how it fits into this lifestyle vision, and entrepreneurship may be a viable option if it aligns with the desired lifestyle [(00:29:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1746s). - Working backwards from an ideal lifestyle is preferred over working forwards from a labeled passion, as it allows for a more systematic and realistic approach to career capital analysis [(00:29:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1774s). - In Mark's situation, being realistic about finances is crucial, including calculating the costs associated with the desired lifestyle and determining how much career capital is needed to achieve it [(00:29:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1793s). - Working with real numbers is important for gaining control over finances and making informed decisions about one's lifestyle and career goals [(00:30:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1810s). - Having concrete evidence-based numbers allows individuals to determine how much money they need to earn and how much it would cost to live a certain lifestyle, enabling them to make realistic plans [(00:30:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1823s). - Using money as a neutral indicator of value can help individuals assess the viability of their business ideas and determine whether they are generating enough income [(00:30:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1856s). - It is essential to work backwards from an ideal lifestyle vision to create a realistic plan, taking into account the financial realities of achieving that vision [(00:31:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1877s). - When thinking about careers, it is more convincing to focus on creating a lifestyle vision rather than simply following one's passion, as passion alone may not be enough to sustain a career [(00:31:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1890s). - Entrepreneurial pursuits can offer autonomy and lifestyle flexibility, but it is crucial to be realistic about the challenges involved [(00:31:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1899s). - Jobs can provide a way to scale up income and separate it from time, offering various options, but it is essential to be realistic about the difficulties involved [(00:31:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1907s). - Derek Sivers, a musician and entrepreneur, is an example of someone who has successfully navigated career changes, including leaving his job to pursue music full-time and later leaving music to run a small business [(00:31:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1916s). ## How do I find time for non-urgent but interesting deep work? [(00:32:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1929s) - To find time for non-urgent but interesting deep work, it's essential to pre-protect time for it in your schedule, rather than trying to fit it in whenever extra time is found [(00:33:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2007s). - A weekly template can be useful in allocating time for both urgent tasks, such as academic writing, and non-urgent tasks, such as creative writing, by setting aside specific times for each [(00:33:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2002s). - It's crucial to have rituals around the protected time for non-urgent tasks and make it a regular part of your schedule, such as setting aside specific evenings or weekend days for creative writing [(00:34:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2056s). - If there's not enough time in the schedule for both urgent and non-urgent tasks, it's necessary to confront reality and make changes, such as putting off non-urgent tasks or loosening other commitments [(00:35:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2103s). - A weekly template can help in confronting the reality of workload by forcing you to think about when to prioritize different tasks, such as academic writing or creative writing, on a quarterly scale [(00:35:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2115s). - Derek Sivers' story is an example of using money as a neutral indicator of value to make decisions, such as leaving a job to pursue a passion once it's financially viable [(00:32:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=1939s). ## Is afternoon deep work possible? [(00:35:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2145s) - A useful scale to evaluate what's working and what's not working in a job is to consider what tasks should be done on a typical day, and this should be established and recorded beforehand, allowing for autopilot-like decision-making [(00:35:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2146s). - Fitting in deep work sessions can be challenging, especially when calls start early in the day, and it may be necessary to lean heavily on location and rituals to make afternoon deep work more effective [(00:36:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2175s). - Most people find it easier to do deep work in the morning, as they have more energy, minimal attention residue, and a focused cognitive context, but the afternoon can be more challenging [(00:36:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2212s). - To make afternoon deep work more effective, it's essential to have rituals and location built around it, such as a half-day shutdown routine, a physical interruption like a walk or exercise, and a reasonable deep work period [(00:37:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2250s). - A half-day shutdown routine after calls end can help close open loops, update calendars and task management systems, and reduce loose ends, making it easier to focus on deep work [(00:37:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2264s). - A physical interruption, such as a walk on a set route or exercise, can help reset energy levels and prepare the brain for deep work, and examples include Darwin's sandwalk or a wooded trail [(00:38:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2302s). - Keeping the deep work period reasonable, typically around 90-120 minutes, can help make it more manageable and increase productivity [(00:39:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2343s). - To maintain productivity, it's essential to work at a slow but steady pace, doing deep work every day for a reasonable amount of time, which will add up to something good over time [(00:39:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2364s). - Consider chemical interruptions, such as having a special cup of coffee or tea, to signal the start of a deep work session [(00:39:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2384s). - Location interruptions, such as going to a different location to work, can also be beneficial and worth investing time and money in [(00:39:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2393s). - Having a fixed amount of time for deep work, typically 90 minutes to two hours, is recommended, as this is likely the most energy you'll have left after other tasks [(00:40:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2431s). - If this seems insufficient, consider setting aside one day a week with a shorter call schedule to allow for a longer deep work session [(00:40:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2443s). - Prioritize having a sustainable pace, even if it's slower, as it will ultimately lead to better results and allow you to maintain productivity over time [(00:41:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2485s). - After completing the deep work session, have a final end-of-day session to shut down and complete any non-trivial admin tasks [(00:41:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2497s). - Adjust this schedule as needed to fit individual preferences and rhythms [(00:42:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2524s). - The concept of productivity is referred to as the "Lost Art of accomplishment" and was mentioned by Jesse [(00:42:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2548s). ## Can I use slow productivity to help prepare for a job interview? [(00:42:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2550s) - The concept of slow productivity emphasizes the importance of trusting slow but steady progress, rather than focusing on being busy or exhausted, to achieve long-term goals [(00:43:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2602s). - This approach involves doing a reasonable amount of work on a regular basis, allowing progress to add up over time, and prioritizing sustainability and compatibility with a richer life [(00:43:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2611s). - To apply this concept in a time-sensitive situation, such as preparing for a job interview, it's essential to be relentless and deliberate in one's efforts, ensuring that progress is made every single day [(00:44:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2683s). - Being relentless means committing to a daily routine, regardless of tiredness or other factors, and avoiding the tendency to dilute one's efforts by convincing oneself that sporadic or superficial progress is sufficient [(00:45:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2734s). - In the context of the questioner's situation, who has a part-time job and needs to prepare for a job interview, it's crucial to strike a balance between work and preparation, using the slow productivity principles to make the most of the available time [(00:43:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2596s). - The slow productivity mindset emphasizes the importance of producing high-quality work that one can be proud of, rather than focusing solely on being busy or exhausted [(00:43:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2630s). - The concept of slow but steady progress is illustrated by the example of writing books, where making progress a little bit every day can lead to significant accomplishments over time [(00:44:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2644s). - To achieve results, it is essential to be relentless and deliberate in one's efforts, as this approach allows for the aggregation of small improvements over time [(00:45:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2745s). - The concept of deliberate practice, attributed to [[K. Anders Ericsson | Anders Ericsson]], emphasizes the importance of stretching oneself past their comfort zone in a specific and targeted way to improve at complex activities [(00:45:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2753s). - When preparing for interviews, it is crucial to design activities that deliberately improve specific areas of weakness, rather than wasting time on non-targeted activities [(00:46:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2784s). - A daily block of time, even as short as 45 minutes to an hour, five days a week, can be sufficient to make significant progress over a few weeks if used deliberately [(00:46:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2817s). - By adopting a relentless and deliberate approach, individuals can develop the confidence to learn new skills without requiring significant changes to their schedule [(00:47:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2860s). - This approach can lead to the accumulation of skills and career capital over time, enabling individuals to make investments and achieve long-term career goals [(00:48:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2886s). - The key to success lies in being deliberate about how time is used, avoiding waste, and focusing on activities that promote targeted improvement [(00:46:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2811s). ## How do I not be reactionary during my busy season? [(00:48:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2895s) - A writer and producer for a football podcast shares their experience with seasonality, where their schedule varies greatly between February to July and August to January, similar to those in the academic world. [(00:48:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2921s) - During the off-season, they enjoy scheduling deep work hours in the morning, spending time with family, implementing shutdown rituals, and giving themselves space to think and write. [(00:49:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2941s) - The challenge is to protect oneself from being reactionary and shallow during the busy season, and to maintain a balance between work and personal life. [(00:49:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2956s) - Professional sports franchises, particularly general managers, are known to have extremely busy schedules with multiple concerns, including product management, staffing, and budgeting. [(00:49:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=2990s) - To manage time effectively during busy seasons, it's essential to have a plan in place, just as one would during the easier seasons, and to use tools like weekly templates to gain back autonomy over time. [(00:50:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3045s) - A weekly template can help individuals make the most of their time, even when their schedules are unpredictable, by allowing them to prioritize tasks and make intentional decisions about how to allocate their time. [(00:51:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3080s) - Consolidating meetings and tasks into specific days, such as Thursdays, can also help to free up time and reduce stress during busy periods. [(00:51:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3106s) - Removing tasks that are destroying one's schedule and getting in the way is essential to exert autonomy and gain control over one's time [(00:51:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3108s). - Being organized is not just about being co-opted by external influences, but rather about having control over one's work and time [(00:52:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3130s). - Not having a plan or system to capture work can lead to being at the mercy of other forces, resulting in misery and working harder than desired [(00:52:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3156s). - The step from being completely disorganized to organized is significant, but it's not the full step, as one can be organized yet still feel out of control [(00:52:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3166s). - Being completely organized, planning time carefully, and having shut-down routines is not enough if one's schedule is not truly their own [(00:52:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3178s). - The weekly productivity template allows for gaining autonomy over one's schedule by deciding which tasks to prioritize and which to limit or eliminate [(00:53:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3194s). - Using the weekly template enables one to transition from just juggling tasks thrown at them to having control over their schedule and prioritizing their goals [(00:53:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3207s). ## Using Cal’s toolkit while working in the Peace Corps [(00:53:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3210s) - Implementing a weekly template can be a valuable tool for managing time, especially during busy seasons, allowing for more control over organized days and increased productivity [(00:53:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3222s). - A case study from Colton, a [[Peace Corps]] volunteer in [[Zambia]], showcases the effectiveness of time management strategies in challenging environments, where he successfully applies principles of time block planning, autopilot schedules, and deep work to his daily routine [(00:54:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3246s). - Colton's experience highlights the importance of personal productivity skills in achieving meaningful goals, such as building a medical waste incinerator and publishing papers in medical journals, despite harsh living conditions [(00:55:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3315s). - The case study refutes the notion that personal productivity is only relevant to high-powered corporate jobs or is a negative aspect of internalized capitalism, demonstrating its value in socially conscious and self-aware individuals [(00:55:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3352s). - Being organized enables Colton to work effectively in his village while making progress on other tasks, illustrating the potential of personal productivity skills to enhance one's ability to make a positive impact [(00:56:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3370s). - Colton's approach to productivity is focused on creating a sustainable and meaningful vision for his life, rather than optimizing or maximizing output, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to time management [(00:56:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3411s). - The goal of being productive is to produce an ideal life, not just to maximize output, and having control over one's time is essential to achieving this goal [(00:56:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3418s). - A person's vision for their life doesn't have to be heartless or mechanistic, but rather a personal and individualized plan for what they want to achieve [(00:57:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3426s). - Most people want to do more interesting things with their lives than just optimize or maximize output [(00:57:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3445s). - Notion is a tool that combines notes, documents, and projects into one space, allowing users to build custom information storage and retrieval systems that fit their specific needs [(00:57:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3465s). - Notion allows for structured collaboration and encounters with information, making work more sustainable and effective [(00:58:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3498s). - The tool has been integrated with artificial intelligence, making it easier to use and allowing users to automate tedious tasks and find information more quickly [(00:58:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3536s). - Notion AI can help users work faster, write better, and think bigger, and is used by over half of [[Fortune 500]] companies [(00:59:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3579s). - Teams that use Notion tend to send less email, cancel more meetings, and save time searching for work, and can try the tool for free at [[Notion (productivity software) | notion.com]] [(01:00:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3602s). - The link notion.com/slal can be used to try Notion AI and support the show [(01:00:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3612s). - [[Ladder]] is another tool that can help users get organized and achieve their goals, and is mentioned as a resource for getting one's act together [(01:00:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3623s). - Life insurance is essential for individuals with dependents, but many people procrastinate on getting enough coverage due to uncertainty about the process, cost, and where to start [(01:00:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3639s). - Ladder is a 100% digital platform that simplifies the process of applying for life insurance, requiring no doctors, needles, or paperwork for coverage of $3 million or less [(01:01:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3664s). - The application process on Ladder involves answering a few health-related questions, and the platform's smart algorithms provide instant approval, with no hidden fees and the option to cancel at any time [(01:01:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3678s). - Ladder's policies are insured by reputable insurers with a proven history of paying claims, rated A and A+ by [[AM Best]] [(01:01:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3697s). - The cost of life insurance increases with age, making it essential to get coverage as soon as possible [(01:01:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3706s). - To apply for life insurance on [[Ladder]], individuals can visit ladderlife.com to see if they are instantly approved [(01:02:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3735s). ## The 5 Books Cal Read in August, 2024 [(01:02:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3770s) - The host is excited to share their weekly productivity template and mentions that their [[Trello]] boards are being used extensively [(01:02:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3770s). - A listener, Zach, sent custom hats for the show, which the host and Jesse are wearing, representing a "Value-Based Lifestyle Centric Career Planning" (VBL CCP) approach [(01:03:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3788s). - The host discusses the first book they read in August 2024, "The Encyclopedia of Fairies" by Emily Wild, which is a fantasy book with a unique world-building concept where fairies exist and are studied academically [(01:04:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3865s). - The host enjoyed the book's world-building, particularly the idea of a professor studying fairies, but felt that the story became less engaging once it entered a fairy world with too much magic and unpredictability [(01:05:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3921s). - The host also read Annie Jacobson's book, "[[Nuclear warfare | Nuclear War]]", which they appreciated for its unique form and format, making it a compelling and hard-to-put-down read [(01:06:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3974s). - A non-fiction book, "Slow Productivity", was chosen by [[Amazon (company) | Amazon]] as the best business and leadership book of 2024, and also as the best overall non-fiction book of 2024. [(01:06:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=3989s) - The book is based on extensive research on the US's nuclear war plans, procedures, and protocols, including decision-making processes and the locations of missiles. [(01:06:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4010s) - The book describes a scenario of global thermonuclear war breaking out from the American perspective, detailing the events leading up to the war and its devastating consequences. [(01:07:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4030s) - The author's goal is to provide a detailed and accurate account of how a nuclear war would unfold, including the involvement of various individuals and locations. [(01:07:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4048s) - The book's scenario results in a catastrophic outcome for the US, including a thermonuclear warhead hitting [[Washington, D.C. | Washington DC]], causing widespread destruction and loss of life. [(01:07:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4062s) - The author's family is fictionalized in the book and fares poorly, with the first two missiles hitting Washington DC, where the author and their sisters live, and the second missile hitting the [[Diablo Canyon Power Plant | Diablo Canyon Nuclear]] facility in [[California]], where their brother works. [(01:08:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4087s) - The author has two nitpicks with the book's research, one being the inaccurate description of alarm bells sounding on a submarine when missiles are launched, as submarines are designed to be quiet and stealthy. [(01:08:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4123s) - The author's second nitpick is the unclear description of the President's escape from the [[White House]] on [[Marine One]], specifically the role of a [[United States Secret Service | Secret Service]] team in getting them to safety and the potential risks from the electromagnetic pulse of the explosion. [(01:09:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4164s) - A book about a hypothetical scenario involving the president and a Secret Service member parachuting out of a helicopter was read in one day, with a criticism of the plot point that it would be more practical to land the helicopter instead [(01:09:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4195s). - The book "Eruption" by Michael Kryon and [[James Patterson]] was read, but it was poorly written with incoherent science and space, unengaging characters, and a misogynistic tone [(01:10:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4240s). - Michael Kryon has been dead for 20 years, but books he started are still being discovered and finished by other authors, including James Patterson [(01:10:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4250s). - The book "Eruption" was a disappointment, especially considering it could have been a great Michael Kryon book in his prime [(01:11:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4261s). - A plan to put a quote from Michael Kryon on the wall of the maker lab as motivation is being considered [(01:12:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4338s). - To get over the disappointment of "Eruption", a [[Lincoln Child]] thriller called "Diablo Mesa" was read and enjoyed for its well-constructed plot and engaging thriller style [(01:12:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4357s). - A book by Gwindel Bounds called "Not Too Late" was also read, which is about getting involved in adventure obstacle course racing in middle age and achieving success in the sport [(01:12:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4374s). - The book "Not Too Late" is inspiring and shows that it's never too late to get involved in a new and challenging activity, even a physical one like obstacle racing [(01:13:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4395s). - The discussion starts with a mention of a book that was liked, written by a woman in her 50s who started her journey a couple of years ago, and is now inspiring others to take action [(01:13:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4411s). - A friend got into obstacle racing, which is accessible with training and has age groups, making it less about genetics and more about effort [(01:13:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4430s). - The friend built obstacles on his property and even installed grip-related equipment in his office to practice, but unfortunately suffered a severe injury that prevented him from continuing [(01:14:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4450s). - The topic of rowing is mentioned, with a book about it being read, and a movie "[[The Boys in the Boat (film) | Boys in the Boat]]" directed by [[George Clooney]] [(01:14:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4470s). - The book "The Amateurs" by [[David Halberstam]] is being read, which is about [[Olympic Games | Olympic]] hopeful American Scholar rowers in the [[1984 Summer Olympics | 1984 Olympics]] [(01:14:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4483s). - The episode ends with a mention of a hat given by Zach and an appreciation for the gift, as well as a preview of the next episode [(01:15:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4504s). - A previous episode, number 299, is recommended, which discusses the love-hate relationship with personal productivity [(01:15:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4545s). - The conversation is part of a larger discussion about the changing relationship with personal productivity, observed over a period of time and through various experiences [(01:16:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRk3VZOVpk&t=4560s).