#154: Cal Newport– Understanding Deep Work, & why Pursuing Your Passions is Bad Advice
Summary: Cal Newport is an <a href="http://cs.georgetown.edu/%7Ecnewport/">Associate Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University</a>, who specializes in the theory of distributed algorithms. He previously earned his Ph.D. from MIT in 2009 and graduated from Dartmouth College in 2004.<br> <br> His most recent book, <a href="http://calnewport.com/books/deep-work/">Deep Work</a> (Grand Central, 2016), argues that focus is the new I.Q. in the knowledge economy, and that individuals who cultivate their ability to concentrate without distraction will thrive. On publication, Deep Work became an instant Wall Street Journal bestseller, and received praise in the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/31/books/review/dont-distract-me.html?_r=0">New York Times Book Review</a>, <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/will-you-please-be-quiet-please-1453247167">The Wall Street Journal</a>, <a href="http://www.economist.com/news/business/21688872-fashion-making-employees-collaborate-has-gone-too-far-collaboration-curse/">The Economist</a>, and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jan/29/deep-work-change-your-life-oliver-burkeman">The Guardian</a>.<br> <br> Newport’s previous book, <a href="http://calnewport.com/books/so-good/">So Good They Can’t Ignore You</a> (Grand Central, 2012), argues that “follow your passion” is bad advice. Since its publication, it has been selected for several best business books of the year lists, including those by <a href="http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/best-2012-books-for-entrepreneurs.html" target="_blank">Inc. Magazine</a>, <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/management/top-10-business-books-of-the-year/article6212538/" target="_blank">The Globe and Mail</a>, and <a href="http://blog.800ceoread.com/2012/12/18/the-elite-eight-our-picks-for-the-top-business-books-of-2012/" target="_blank">800-CEO-Read</a>. Newport’s <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/30/jobs/follow-a-career-passion-let-it-follow-you.html" target="_blank">New York Times op-ed</a> on the book became the paper’s most e-mailed article for over a week.<br> <br> Newport is also the author of three books of unconventional advice for students: <a href="http://calnewport.com/books/high-school-superstar/">How to Be a High School Superstar</a> (Random House, 2010), <a href="http://calnewport.com/books/straight-a-student/">How to Become a Straight-A Student </a> (Random House, 2006), and <a href="http://calnewport.com/books/how-to-win-at-college/">How to Win at College</a> (Random House, 2005). The How To student series has sold over well over 150,000 copies since its inception, and Newport has been invited to speak on these topics at some of the country’s top universities, including Harvard, Princeton, MIT, Dartmouth, Middlebury, Georgetown and Duke.<br> <br> Between books, Newport explores related ideas on his popular <a title="Blog" href="http://calnewport.com/blog/">Study Hacks blog</a>.<br> <br> For more on Newport’s academic work, see his <a href="http://cs.georgetown.edu/%7Ecnewport/">Georgetown web site</a>.<br> <br> <br> <br> How to Connect With Jarrod Warren:<br> <br> Enjoy the podcast? Find The Success 101 Podcast on iTunes, subscribe, and give a 5-star rating:<br> <a href="http://buff.ly/1TXbYDv">http://buff.ly/1TXbYDv</a><br> <br> The Success 101 Podcast Website:<br> <a href="http://www.success101podcast.com">www.success101podcast.com</a><br> <br> Email Jarrod Warren:<br> <a href="mailto:info@thesuccess101podcast.com">info@thesuccess101podcast.com</a><br> <br> The Success 101 Podcast on Facebook:<br> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/success101podcast">www.facebook.com/success101podcast</a><br> <br> Jarrod Warren on Twitter:<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/WarrenJarrod">https://twitter.com/WarrenJarrod</a><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/WarrenJarrod">@WarrenJarrod</a><br> <br>
