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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Important idea, but a mediocre book. Could have been a great article though. I recommend reading this summary instead: https://commoncog.com/blog/deep-work/ along with The Effective Executive to get a good understanding of deep vs. shallow work.
I got A LOT from this book. It is perfect for me and working propensities and larger (frustrated goals!). I loved it. And needed it.
My only big gripe is how Newport plays a bit loose with some of the research bolstering his advice. For example, Baumeister's willpower theory is on tricky ground these days. However, I'll still buy into Newport's framework even if the research propping it is messy.
My only big gripe is how Newport plays a bit loose with some of the research bolstering his advice. For example, Baumeister's willpower theory is on tricky ground these days. However, I'll still buy into Newport's framework even if the research propping it is messy.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
As with all self help books, my motto is "take what serves you. leave what doesn't". I was introduced to this book during a productivity summit and wanted to read it since I do struggle with focus and I've noticed it sliding ever since I've had an iPhone. The best thing I've taken away and implemented is the shutdown ritual. I've used it the last few weeks and it's been super helpful for my mental health. I list out my top 3 priorities, time block the next day, say "workday complete, disengaging work mode", and play some music while tidying my desk. Turns out saying "workday complete" made more of a difference than I expected! It's also been really helpful for strengthening my work-life boundaries while working from home. I also started a work initiation routine that helps me not look at emails upon waking and I'm using it as a way to habit stack in a 5 min meditation.
The other key part of this book was having terminology for how I struggle with quickly switching tasks. This effect is defined as "attention residue" by Sophie Leroy. If you switch from Task A to B, a residue of your attention is still on Task A. I REALLY struggle with task switching. I'm trying to help this with grouping similar tasks and adding walks or other activities in between when I need to task switch. This is also why the workday shutdown ritual has been helpful too! It helps me have a phase of processing and leaving the workday residue behind.
I'm thinking about implementing the fixed-schedule/5:30 end of work day suggestion and also leaving social media.
The other key part of this book was having terminology for how I struggle with quickly switching tasks. This effect is defined as "attention residue" by Sophie Leroy. If you switch from Task A to B, a residue of your attention is still on Task A. I REALLY struggle with task switching. I'm trying to help this with grouping similar tasks and adding walks or other activities in between when I need to task switch. This is also why the workday shutdown ritual has been helpful too! It helps me have a phase of processing and leaving the workday residue behind.
I'm thinking about implementing the fixed-schedule/5:30 end of work day suggestion and also leaving social media.
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
This took a while to get into, but it was worth it in the end. It taught me a few things about how to focus, which I actually used whilst reading the book itself.
It felt at times like there was entire paragraphs that added nothing at all to the point.
Worth a gander if you've got the will power for it.
It felt at times like there was entire paragraphs that added nothing at all to the point.
Worth a gander if you've got the will power for it.
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Some of my rating is just that nonfiction books are so hard for me to love but I did get some takeaways from this one. Listened to it all in one take on a road trip which made it a test in patience, especially at the beginning. Towards the end had some good insight for current job in academia and rethinking my current setup. Additionally provided some inspiration for further reducing social media usage and being intentional with all hours of the day.
informative
inspiring
informative