4120: The Science of Procrastination: Researchers Tackle Willpower and our Ability to Control it

Cal Newport breaks down Roy Baumeister's research on ego depletion—the finding that self-control acts like a muscle that tires with use. He translates the science into four practical tactics: distribute demanding tasks across days, make a specific plan before you start, practice small acts of self-control daily, and never skip meals when the work is hard. The episode is a narrated reading of Newport's article offering actionable ways to manage limited willpower.