I finally read "Deep Work"
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World (Cal Newport, 2016) has been sitting on my bookshelf for a couple years now. I first learned about the book from a HN thread a few years back, and was immediately intrigued. It sounded like a useful exploration of staying focused (it's so much more). But like many of the books sitting on that bookshelf, it sat there, untouched, waiting for me to pick it up...
During a recent work break, I finally picked it up and started to read. And read. And read. I couldn't put it down. Everything Cal writes resonated so deeply, I found myself astounded by the book.
Quoting this comment from user jonathanfoster on an HN thread about Deep Work:
I recently read this book and I can't recommend it enough. It's not just a productivity fluff piece about the importance of focus. He brings an academic rigor to the debate and backs up his claims with legitimate evidence. Best of all, the book is not just theory, it's 100% actionable.
I used Newport's recommendations to reclaim 4+ solid hours of deep focus and it's had a tremendous impact on my productivity and general quality of life.
And I couldn't agree more. I ask of you:
a) If it's on your shelf, pick it up and read it...ASAP
b) If it's not on your shelf, buy it and read it...ASAP
Don't wait. I wish I hadn't.
Instead of trying to distill the book into this post, here are several other blogs and discussion threads about the topic that cover the content at a high level. If you find these interesting, read the book.