Deep Work
- Author(s): Cal Newport
- Started: 2021-01-11
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- Books cited:
Summary
Review
Chapters
Chapter 1: Deep Work Is Valuable
Working in few extended batches of time is superior to many small ones for multiple reasons:
- The brain grows myelin around neurons that we exercise intensely for a prolonged time.
- Context changes aren't clear cuts; parts of our attention lingers with the previous task.
Chapter 2: Deep Work Is Rare
Since knowledge workers often can't easily measure their productivity and the value they create, they're at risk of using busyness as a proxy.
The internet, especially social media, disincentivises deep work, preferring quickly shared pieces of shallow information. Shortening attention spans ask for frequent context changes.
Deep work is becoming a rare, and therefore valuable good.
Chapter 3: Deep Work Is Meaningful
Craftspeople usually have clear success criteria -- the result of their work is a shimmering crystal vase, a dazzling hairdo or a well-designed chair. Knowledge work is often lacking this clarity.
Research tells us that our personality, our thinking and our emotions are influenced by what we focus on. In consequence, concentrating on rich and meaningful work tends to make our experience of the world more rich and meaningful. As a side benefit, this focus prevents us from getting distracted by minor negative things.
Craftspeople have always been able to see something "sacred" in their work. Cutting stones while envisioning cathedrals. Picking the perfect piece of wood for a wheel so the cart rolls nicely. The legendary swordsmith. Deep work allows cultivating meaning in work that might otherwise be a draining obligation.