On this episode of The Psychology Podcast, we feature a particularly lively exchange, as Cal Newport and I attempt to decode the patterns of success. We discuss a wide range of topics, including deep work, deliberate practice, grit, creativity, talent, mastery, IQ, and cultural misconceptions about passion and finding one’s calling. The discussion has a fun and curious tone; it is a research-informed exploration of what it really takes to succeed in the 21st century. We had a great time recording this episode and we think you will really enjoy it.
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“Cal Newport is a writer and a professor of computer science at Georgetown University. He is the author of five books and runs the popular advice blog, Study Hacks, which attempts to decode “patterns of success” in both school and the working world. His contrarian ideas on building a successful, meaningful life have been featured on TV, radio, and in many major publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and New York Post.” -Blurb taken from Amazon.com
I very much enjoyed your conversation. Never listened to one of your podcasts before nor have any experience/knowledge of Cal Newport.
I’m curious that Carol Dweck’s “Performance Goals” vs “Learning Goals” was not mentioned. IMHO it is definitely an important factor in the equation, no matter one’s “talent.” One over-simplification of her research from my understanding is that “talented” people who have the “performance goal orientation” will often have a tendency to give up when improving your skill/performance skills takes EFFORT is challenging, whereas those with the Learning goals orientation, whether lower in “talent” or not, will not give up.
Also I was curious who your intended audience is. Since I am a “human nature science geek”, I was able to keep listening, but I think both of you used terms that I think implied more familiarity with your topic than even I have. I really did not have the ” back story” about “deep practice” and [don’t remember the other term] to know what you were really talking about. I did read The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle(?) and so that was the only reference I had to the term “deep practice.” My point is the terms sounded like “jargon” to someone who didn’t know the “jargon.” I’d highly recommend you have sensitivity to that when interviewing — sensititivity to slowing your interviewee down and getting him or her to define his/her terms for the audience that might not have your common language. Again, great interview, but in some ways I think it was a lot like listening in to two grad students having a conversation over beers — an “in club” talk.
Wanting the best for you and your research and teaching. It is obvious that you both CARE!
Tom Huntington