Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
by: Cal Newport
Central Theme:
The best way to get more meaningful work done is by working deeply, in a state of high concentration without distraction.
Recommendation:
The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable. Studying the science of multitasking, attention, and productivity may help anyone who wants to increase productivity, especially knowledge workers.
Summary:
Deep work refers to distraction-free, high concentration work that creates great value in an efficient amount of time. Unlike shallow work (noncognitively demanding tasks like checking emails, responding to notifications, and giving in to distractions), deep work is very hard to replicate. Newport argues, optimistically, that deep work is a skill that can be practiced and cultivated. To keep honing in on the skill, one can utilize the science of productivity to focus an organization’s energy and sufficiently ignite real results.
