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A review by soroushtorkian
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
3.0
His podcast "deep questions" is slightly better than the book, and I only mention this because the podcast is heavily centred on the ideas in the book, if that's an alternative you're looking for.
The book seemed a bit dragged on in some parts so I had to put it down a few times and then switch to listening to the audio at 2.5x speed to get through the hurdle. It's worth reading once (hence 3 stars) but there are better OGs in this genre, like Tim Ferriss, Tim Allen, and a few others who can get the same points through much quicker for more value.
Here are some takeaways from my notes:
Embrace deep work: Deep work refers to focused, undistracted, and intellectually demanding tasks. It is essential for maximizing your intellectual capacity and improving your abilities. Make deep work a regular part of your schedule to extract the most value from your work.
Minimize shallow work: Shallow work consists of non-cognitive, logistical tasks that don't create significant value and can easily be replicated. Reduce the time spent on shallow work, especially tasks performed while distracted, as they hinder productivity and inhibit your ability to produce high-quality output.
Stay ahead of technological advancements: To remain valuable in the economy, you must continually learn and adapt to new technologies and trends in your field. Cultivate the ability to quickly learn complicated things and stay updated on digital analytics and other relevant skills.
Prioritize deep work over shallow activities: Structure your day around deep work by dedicating three to four uninterrupted hours, five days a week, to concentrated and directed concentration. Reserve shallow activities for shorter bursts at the peripheries of your schedule.
Master hard things quickly: The ability to quickly master complex and challenging tasks is crucial for thriving in the new economy. Develop your ability to learn efficiently and apply your knowledge effectively. Embrace lifelong learning to keep up with technological advancements.
Emphasize production: Merely possessing skills and talent is not enough to thrive. You must actively produce valuable output. Whether you're working with intelligent machines or pursuing your expertise, focus on producing tangible results that resonate with your audience or stakeholders.
For more book notes, visit: https://www.soroushtorkian.com/tag/booknotes/
The book seemed a bit dragged on in some parts so I had to put it down a few times and then switch to listening to the audio at 2.5x speed to get through the hurdle. It's worth reading once (hence 3 stars) but there are better OGs in this genre, like Tim Ferriss, Tim Allen, and a few others who can get the same points through much quicker for more value.
Here are some takeaways from my notes:
Embrace deep work: Deep work refers to focused, undistracted, and intellectually demanding tasks. It is essential for maximizing your intellectual capacity and improving your abilities. Make deep work a regular part of your schedule to extract the most value from your work.
Minimize shallow work: Shallow work consists of non-cognitive, logistical tasks that don't create significant value and can easily be replicated. Reduce the time spent on shallow work, especially tasks performed while distracted, as they hinder productivity and inhibit your ability to produce high-quality output.
Stay ahead of technological advancements: To remain valuable in the economy, you must continually learn and adapt to new technologies and trends in your field. Cultivate the ability to quickly learn complicated things and stay updated on digital analytics and other relevant skills.
Prioritize deep work over shallow activities: Structure your day around deep work by dedicating three to four uninterrupted hours, five days a week, to concentrated and directed concentration. Reserve shallow activities for shorter bursts at the peripheries of your schedule.
Master hard things quickly: The ability to quickly master complex and challenging tasks is crucial for thriving in the new economy. Develop your ability to learn efficiently and apply your knowledge effectively. Embrace lifelong learning to keep up with technological advancements.
Emphasize production: Merely possessing skills and talent is not enough to thrive. You must actively produce valuable output. Whether you're working with intelligent machines or pursuing your expertise, focus on producing tangible results that resonate with your audience or stakeholders.
For more book notes, visit: https://www.soroushtorkian.com/tag/booknotes/