In Deep Work, Cal Newport argues that in order to achieve greatness in any field, we must dedicate ourselves to mastering a unique and valuable skill. Such skills cannot be picked up overnight; they require “deep work” – sustained, uninterrupted concentration on a specific task. According to Newport, the ability to do deep work is becoming increasingly rare in our distracted world. Consequently, it is also growing more valuable. To make the most of this rare commodity, we need rules for how to successfully focus on our desired outcomes and protect against distractions.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone looking to achieve excellence in their field. It provides an evidence-based argument for the importance of deep work and offers advice on how cultivate this skill.
Pros :
- Deep Work helps the reader achieve greatness by mastering a unique and valuable skill
- It provides rules for how to focus on desired outcomes and protect against distractions
- The ability to do deep work is becoming increasingly rare in our distracted world, making it more valuable
Cons :
- It’s hard to stay focused
- It takes a lot of time and effort
- You can’t just read it, you have to apply it
Learn more about the author
Cal Newport is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University, who specializes in the theory of distributed systems. In addition to authoring Deep Work, he blogs at calnewport.com and tweets @cnewport.
Reader Reviews
“This book is a must read for anyone who wants to get ahead in today’s world. Newport provides clear, concise and easy-to-follow rules for how to achieve greater success while avoiding the distractions that keep us from achieving our goals.”
“It is a rare gem of a book that can change the way you work, live and think.”
“Deep Work is an essential guide to anyone looking to create new value in their field – or simply desire a more productive life. Newport provides the perfect framework for making deep work a reality, and offers helpful tips on how to minimize distractions and maximize productive time.”
“I found this book to be a fantastic read. Newport makes an eloquent, compelling case for the importance of deep work and provides pragmatic steps we can take to improve our ability (and willingness) to engage in it.”
