Jason Hartman talks with Georgetown University Professor of Computer Science, Cal Newport. Cal explains that corporations have us addicted to apps and media that subject us to non-stop ads and shape our consumer habits because of our addiction to smartphones and social media. Cal shares how his books, Deep Work and So Good They Can’t Ignore You, can help provide strategies to break your addiction.

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] Cal explains the foundation for his two popular books.

[3:51] Modern digital handheld devices offer a true test of a person’s ability to focus.

[6:21] Measuring the impact of your digital behavior to make a bigger impact.

[10:48] How to break the addiction of digital devices.

[16:19] Developing a Deep Work habit.

[21:59] The distinction between productivity and true productivity.

[23:20] Apps and strategies for people who need to maintain connections but also want to focus.

[26:06] The title So Good They Can’t Ignore You was inspired by Steve Martin.

[30:40] Social Media doesn’t add much profit to your business unless your business is social media.

Websites:

Cal Newport

Deep Work by Cal Newport

So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport

“Look Up” Video on YouTube

Freedom App