#104 Nir Eyal: Mastering Indistraction

This podcast episode interviews Nir Eyal, author of "Hooked" and "Indistractable," about overcoming distraction and procrastination. The conversation begins with a critique of the Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma," arguing that it oversimplifies the issue of technology addiction. Eyal then introduces his four-step framework for becoming "indistractable": mastering internal triggers (boredom, anxiety, etc.), making time for important tasks (using a time-boxed calendar instead of to-do lists), hacking back external triggers (using browser extensions to limit distractions), and using pre-commitment devices (like turning off the internet at night). The interview concludes with a discussion of how to apply these principles to raising children and managing work relationships. A key takeaway is that time management requires pain management, and addressing the underlying emotional discomfort driving distraction is crucial for productivity.