What this book is all about?

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Cal Newport discusses the hypothesis of deep work, it's a rarity in our ever-so connected economy and it's increasing importance. In this book, he brings into light examples of various personalities from various fields including science, architecture, psychology, entrepreneurs, writers, researchers among many others.

Throughout the book he brings up a theory backing it up with statistics, going in-depth with examples and understanding "why" behind these theories and conclusively providing ways to apply in order to develop the skill of Deep Work.

The book is written in two parts: First part he convinces the deep work hypothesis and its rarity, value and meaningfulness. In the second part, he provides measures to cultivate this skill.

You must be wondering what "deep work" really means:

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Deep Work Hypothesis (in the writer's words):
The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. As a consequence, the few who cultivate this skill and then make it the core of their working life will thrive.

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Lets discuss the first part of the book.

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Note: These are my learnings and gains from this book. I will recommend you to read and draw your own conclusions from it. Through this article, I want to clear my own understanding, cultivate the habit of writing meanwhile holding some valuable discussion around it with other readers as well.

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1. The first lesson has to be why it deep work is important. It's really simple for me - satisfaction and fulfillment in life.

2. Writer emphases on the core abilities that one needs to thrive in this economy- the ability to learn and produce at an elite level. These depend upon the ability to work deeply.

3. Focus: "Let your mind become a lens, thanks to the converging rays of attention; let your soul be all intent on whatever it is that is established in your mind as a dominant, wholly absorbing idea." - Antonin-Dalmace Sertillanges mentioned in Deep Work by Cal Newport.

4. Deliberate practice- he takes this point to a neurological level. He mentions that "any skill (intellectual or physical) reduces down to brain circuit."
   "Myelin- a layer of fatty tissues grows around neurons, acting like an insulator that allows the cells to fire faster and cleaner." Basically, by focusing on "one particular skill, you're forcing the specific relevant circuit to fire again and again in isolation."
   Now when I think about watching series or youtube videos while working, I think about how I am reducing my own ability. And try to give my complete attention to that work. I don't do this with every single task but things that are of high importance.

5. In one of the principles, he states our tendency of going towards behaviors that are easiest at the moment. And I think simply the knowledge of the fact, can one make a conscious decision when required. This clears up a thing or two about multi-tasking and where one should not do it.
   This specifically helps me from abstaining from checking my social media profiles and mindlessly stroll through the posts every now and then while working.

6. "Busyness as a Proxy for Productivity", is one of the topics and this has been so relevant to me because I think we often try to fool ourselves in thinking we are being productive when simply we are doing mundane or shallow things. Which consumes our time thus giving an illusion of productivity but in reality doesn't adds to the main work.

7. There was another misconception around "free time", that this book cleared up. And honestly, I realized how often this abundant of free time didn't really result in more happiness.

In the author's words: "Ironically, jobs are actually easier to enjoy than free time, because like flow activities they have built-in goals, feedback rules and challenges, all of which encourage one to become involved in one's work, to concentrate and lose oneself in it. Free time, on the other hand, is unstructured and requires much greater effort to be shaped into something that can be enjoyed".

Here, I think your job must be one of your interest though. This relates to the first point for mental satisfaction and fulfillment in life.

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Conclusion.

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It might come across as a book only for intellectuals but honestly, if I'm finding it engaging and helpful then I think it is a read for everybody. Even though my world revolves around art and design, there are life lessons to be learned here in order to improve the quality and experience of work life.

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If you enjoyed this, do share your thoughts and continue reading:

• Food for Thought - Introduction