Deep Work (rules For Focused Success In A Distracted World)

By (author) Cal Newport; By (author) Newport Cal
Short description/annotation:
Popular blogger Cal Newport reveals the new key to achieving success and true meaning in professional life - the ability to master distraction.
Description:
Many modern knowledge workers now spend most of their brain power battling distraction and interruption, whether because of the incessant pinging of devices, noisy open-plan offices or the difficulty of deciding what deserves your attention the most. When Cal Newport coined the term ''deep work'' on his popular blog, Study Hacks, in 2012, he found the concept quickly hit a nerve. Most of us, after all, are excruciatingly familiar with shallow work instead - distractedly skimming the surface of our workload and never getting to the important part. Newport began exploring the methods and mindset that foster a practice of distraction-free productivity at work, and now, in DEEP WORK, he shows how anyone can achieve this elusive state. Through revealing portraits of both historical and modern-day thinkers, academics and leaders in the fields of technology, science and culture, and their deep work habits, Newport shares an inspiring collection of tools to wring every last drop of value out of your intellectual capacity. He explains why mastering this shift in work practices is crucial for anyone who intends to stay ahead in a complex information economy, and how to systematically train the mind to focus. Put simply: developing and cultivating a deep work practice is one of the best decisions we can make in an increasingly distracted world.
Review quote:
As a presence on the page, Newport is exceptional in the realm of self-help authors New York Times Book Review DEEP WORK accomplishes two considerable tasks: One is putting out a wealth of concrete practices for the ambitious, without relying on gauzy cliches. The second is that Mr. Newport resists the corporate groupthink of constant connectivity without seeming like a curmudgeon Wall Street Journal As automation and outsourcing reshape the workplace, what new skill do we need? The ability to do deep work. Cal Newport''s exciting new book is an introduction and guide to the kind of intense concentration in a distraction-free environment that results in fast, powerful learning and performance. Think of it as calisthenics for your mind-and start your exercise program today. -- Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive and To Sell Is Human DEEP WORK makes a compelling case for cultivating intense focus, and offers immediately actionable steps for infusing more of it into our lives. -- Adam M. Grant, author of Give and Take Cal Newport is a clear voice in a sea of noise, bringing science and passion in equal measure. We don''t need more clicks, more cats, and more emojis. We need brave work, work that happens when we refuse to avert our eyes. -- Seth Godin, author of What to Do When It''s Your Turn Cal Newport offers the most well-informed and astute collection of practical advice I have seen for reclaiming one''s mental powers. -- Matthew B. Crawford, author of The World Beyond Your Head Just when you think you already know this stuff, DEEP WORK hits you with surprisingly unique and useful insights. Rule #3 alone, with its discussion of the ''Any-Benefit'' mind-set, is worth the price of this book. -- Derek Sivers, founder, Sivers.org Here lies a playbook for professionals of all stripes to achieve true differentiation in a crowded talent marketplace. Cal Newport''s latest shows why he is one of the most provocative thinkers on the future of work. -- Ben Casnocha, co-author of The Start-Up Of You In this strong self-help book, Newport declares that the habits of modern professionals-checking email at all hours, rushing from meeting to meeting, and valuing multitasking above all else-only stand in the way of truly valuable work Publisher''s Weekly [A] worthwhile distraction. ValueWalk DEEP WORK is the killer app of