Deep Work by Cal Newport

Deep Work: Rules for Success in a Distracted World.

This book, by Cal Newport, struck a chord with me in its identification of the value of deep work and the challenge in doing this sort of work in a world where phones, emails, and instant messaging are all a constant source of distraction.

The book discusses the value of deep work, particularly when tackling innovative tasks or when in-depth analysis is required.

The book describes the concept of Deep Work as:

"The ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task."

The benefits of deep work include doing work better, in less time, and in a more fulfilling manner. These things make work more valuable. Yet we live in a world where we are expected to—or think we are expected to—respond immediately to every email, notification, and instant message.

While there is a time and place for this type of responsiveness, it prevents deep work from taking place and thus stops individuals and society from benefitting from the rewards that only deep work can bring.

"The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy."

I can't help but consider the increasing number of people who believe the key to success is getting up early to do work before the rest of the world wakes up. By doing this, these people create an environment that allows them to do their deep work before the distractions of the day kick in.

The book is divided into two parts. The first focuses on deep work, its definition, and its benefits. Part two provides a framework of rules that individuals can adopt to create space for deep work.

This was the first book by Cal Newport that I had read. It struck a chord with me because I am easily distracted. Yet, I see the benefits of fully immersing oneself in work that requires focus and analysis, a quality that benefits both me and others.

Our world is unlikely to change from one where distractons are everywhere anytime soon. Yet deep work is becoming a skill that is both required, and less mastered.

This book is well worth a read, particularly if you work or create in a space that could benefit from deep work.