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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Fascinating read. I found that some of the concepts are a bit too strident, potentially for shock value but overall some great ideas and some practical suggestions on actions. I was a little put off by the author constantly reinforcing their professorial position however it was also supporting their hypothesis so I can't be too critical.
Well written, easy reading style. Worth a read.
Well written, easy reading style. Worth a read.
informative
medium-paced
challenging
informative
fast-paced
The examples of successful "deep workers" include just enough women to stop me from throwing the book across the room (a real possibility in the early chapters, where there's one mention of his pregnant wife followed by a string of successful men), but not enough to feel balanced. Unless you're one of those people who think 30% women feels balanced.
The gender imbalance does limit the scope of the book. Its advice is largely confined to two main factors that interfere with "deep work": social media, and "shallow work" like meetings and emails. I can't imagine a book with a more thoughtful approach to gender just completely ignoring domestic distractions like that. Newport does mention having children, and I would be willing to bet money that when something happens at their day care, it's his wife who gets the mid-day interruption (or else his wife is their full-time caregiver).
It is also a glimpse into the neurotypical mind: The advice focuses primarily on (1) finding time to do your deep work, and (2) helping your brain be better at doing more deep work for longer stretches. The major sticking point for most of us with ADHD - that we can sit down with every intention of doing focused work, and we can hyperfocus for hours at a time no problem once we get going, but trying to initiate hyperfocus for a specific topic on command is highly unreliable - is only minimally addressed. "Have a ritual"? Okay cool thanks.
So, I didn't find it especially useful. But I still liked it, because it made me feel good about my neglectful email habits.
The gender imbalance does limit the scope of the book. Its advice is largely confined to two main factors that interfere with "deep work": social media, and "shallow work" like meetings and emails. I can't imagine a book with a more thoughtful approach to gender just completely ignoring domestic distractions like that. Newport does mention having children, and I would be willing to bet money that when something happens at their day care, it's his wife who gets the mid-day interruption (or else his wife is their full-time caregiver).
It is also a glimpse into the neurotypical mind: The advice focuses primarily on (1) finding time to do your deep work, and (2) helping your brain be better at doing more deep work for longer stretches. The major sticking point for most of us with ADHD - that we can sit down with every intention of doing focused work, and we can hyperfocus for hours at a time no problem once we get going, but trying to initiate hyperfocus for a specific topic on command is highly unreliable - is only minimally addressed. "Have a ritual"? Okay cool thanks.
So, I didn't find it especially useful. But I still liked it, because it made me feel good about my neglectful email habits.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
The best guide to making your mind like a scalpel to cut through tasks and get work done.
This gave me lots to think about! Would recommend if you are tired of being so distracted and chaotic all the time.
informative
slow-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
medium-paced