A Productive Conversation

FROM THE VAULT: Nir Eyal Talks About Mastering Focus By Being Indistractable


Listen Later

In this episode, originally released in October 2019, I sit down with Nir Eyal. Nir is the author of "Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life". and is known for his groundbreaking work on habit formation and technology's impact on our lives, shares invaluable insights into the mechanisms of distraction and how we can harness them to live more fulfilling lives. As we navigate through the conversation, Nir's perspectives offer a fresh lens on productivity, self-control, and the pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Our dialogue spans a wide array of topics, from the practical strategies outlined in "Indistractable" to the philosophical underpinnings of focus and distraction. We delve into Nir's distinction between traction and distraction, the importance of understanding internal triggers, and the practical steps we can take to become indistractable. With his unique blend of research-backed insights and personal anecdotes, Nir provides listeners with the tools to take control of their attention and, by extension, their lives.

Key Discussion Points

  • The critical difference between traction and distraction and why mastering this distinction is key to productivity.
  • How to master internal triggers to enhance productivity and time management.
  • The role of willpower and self-control in managing both internal and external distractions.
  • The significance of identifying and reinforcing one's identity to combat distraction.
  • Strategies for effective communication, meal planning, and using productivity tools.
  • The concept of "effort packs" and "progressive extremism" for personal development.
  • The impact of technology on attention spans and the importance of digital minimalism.

  • My conversation with Nir Eyal not only illuminates the hidden mechanisms of distraction but also equips us with the knowledge and tools to reclaim our focus. His book "Indistractable" is not just a manual for productivity; it's a blueprint for living a more intentional and fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with distraction in your personal life, seeking to enhance your productivity at work, or simply interested in the intersection of technology and psychology, Nir's insights are sure to resonate and inspire.

    Links Worth Exploring

    • Connect with Nir: Website | X/Twitter
    • Get the book: Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life
    • Check out Nir's podcast: Nir and Far
    • Nir would like you to check this out: Schedule Maker
    • Related Conversation: Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy
    • Related Blog Post: The 106 Year Old Problem

    • Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

      Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

      Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


      Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

      If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      A Productive ConversationBy Mike Vardy

      • 4.2
      • 4.2
      • 4.2
      • 4.2
      • 4.2

      4.2

      101 ratings


      More shows like A Productive Conversation

      View all
      Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields / Acast

      Good Life Project

      3,317 Listeners

      Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod by Hal Elrod

      Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod

      1,330 Listeners

      Organize 365 Podcast by Lisa Woodruff

      Organize 365 Podcast

      1,309 Listeners

      The Productivity Show by Asian Efficiency

      The Productivity Show

      507 Listeners

      Happier with Gretchen Rubin by Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project

      Happier with Gretchen Rubin

      12,904 Listeners

      Getting Things Done by GTD®

      Getting Things Done

      459 Listeners

      Clutterbug - Real-Life Hacks and Tips to Declutter, Organize and Clean your Home Fast by Clutterbug

      Clutterbug - Real-Life Hacks and Tips to Declutter, Organize and Clean your Home Fast

      2,009 Listeners

      The ONE Thing by Keller Podcast Network

      The ONE Thing

      1,122 Listeners

      Best of Both Worlds Podcast by iHeartPodcasts

      Best of Both Worlds Podcast

      757 Listeners

      The Science of Happiness by PRX and Greater Good Science Center

      The Science of Happiness

      1,883 Listeners

      Deep Questions with Cal Newport by Cal Newport

      Deep Questions with Cal Newport

      1,305 Listeners

      Best Laid Plans by Sarah Hart-Unger

      Best Laid Plans

      786 Listeners

      How to Be a Better Human by TED

      How to Be a Better Human

      1,370 Listeners

      All It Takes Is A Goal by Jon Acuff

      All It Takes Is A Goal

      1,420 Listeners

      The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

      The Mel Robbins Podcast

      19,406 Listeners