One of the most popular and most derided topics in online productivity spaces are so-called morning routines. In this episode, Cal wades into this content, identifying three major categories of these routines. For each, he explores what’s good and what’s bad. In the end, he uses these lessons to update his own daily routines in some highly specific ways. He then answers reader questions and ends with a “tech corner” segment that builds on Cal’s latest essay for The New Yorker.
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Below are the questions covered in today’s episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
DEEP DIVE:
– On Morning Routines [4:04]
QUESTIONS:
– How should I choose what podcasts to listen to? [41:50]
– How does Cal track daily steps? [52:57]
– Can I switch my office hours around? [57:25]
– How long should I remain at a large marketing firm? [1:02:37]
– How can I reject meetings? [1:10:02]
CALL:
– How to obsess over quality while researching [1:13:22]
CASE STUDY:
– A career transition to become a pastor [1:19:02]
TECH CORNER:
– YouTube and the Creative Middle Class [1:28:15]
YOUTUBE TITLE
– The Optimal Morning Routine For 2025 | Cal Newport
LINKS:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Order a signed copy of “Slow Productivity” here: https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51
https://x.com/jockowillink
https://www.tiktok.com/@spartan/video/7259530421099056427
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/i-tried-miracle-morning-routine-month-here-s-what-happened-ncna981786
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roK4g1e28mM
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/rabbit-holes/a-lesson-in-creativity-and-capitalism-from-two-zany-youtubers
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
