Deep Work by Cal Newport while less than 300 pages packs quite a punch. It’s purpose is how to train yourself to make more time for deep work by changing your habits. The author is a professor who writes about our interactions with technology and was one of the pioneers of advocating that less use of technology in our lives is a key to being more productive.
Even though, we all admire craftsmanship we do not always give credit to the mental focus that is needed to create it. It does not matter if you are writing code or are a Chef creating Michelin Star food or repair motorcycles. There is a huge amount of satisfaction in doing something well.
A long time ago, I had a dentist who would engrave his initials on the inside of his crowns. When I asked him why, he told me it was because he was proud of his work, even if the only one who knew about it was himself.
Summary
While reading this book, I often paused to reflect on my own technology habits which includes serious time wasting on social media and playing solitaire. I have managed to carve out daily blocks for “Deep Work” for many years, but I realize that my biggest motivator is the pressure of a deadline. Even while I aspire to the “Monastic Philosophy of Deep Work Scheduling” I end up practicing “The Journalistic Philosophy” instead.
I recommend reading this book to anybody that is a creator. Especially if you are in the process of building a start-up or a running a company. I know from my own experience how hard it is to block-off time for thinking, while you are being inundated with daily tasks. This book will give you some tools (and reasons) for dragging back some time. Time, that will allow you to do the work that adds the most value to your life.
Deep Work takes time – make the time for it!
