Deep Work

📘 Core Idea

"Deep Work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It’s rare and valuable in today’s economy—and deeply fulfilling.”

⚒️ Two Types of Work

1. Deep Work

   • High-concentration, undistracted work.

   • Creates lasting value, builds skills, and moves you forward.

   • Examples: writing, coding, problem-solving, learning a complex topic.
     
     

2. Shallow Work

   • Low-value, often urgent tasks.

   • Easy to replicate, often done while distracted.

   • Examples: replying to emails, checking social media, status meetings.
     
     

🔑 Key Principles of Deep Work

1. Work Deeply

• Discipline is required to fight distraction.

• Build routines and rituals to make deep work a habit.

• Environment matters: create a space where focus is easy.
  
  

Practice Ideas:

• Fixed schedule (e.g., 2 hours every morning).

• Time blocking: allocate chunks only for focused work.

• “Shut down complete” ritual to end the day.
  
  

2. Embrace Boredom

• Constant stimulation (e.g., checking phones) trains your brain to crave novelty.

• To focus better, train your brain to be okay with boredom.
  
  

Practice:

• Take short breaks from focus, not for distraction.

• Delay checking your phone—even for 10 minutes.
  
  

3. Quit Social Media (or Use It Intentionally)

• These platforms fragment your attention.

• Ask: Does this tool significantly support something I deeply value?

• Use social media like a craftsman: selectively and with purpose.
  
  

4. Drain the Shallows

• Reduce or eliminate shallow work.

• Schedule every minute of your day—even leisure.

• Say “no” more often. Protect your time.
  
  

💡 Golden Rule of Deep Work

“What you focus on + How long you focus = the quality of your life and career.”

🧘‍♂️ The Deeper Benefit

It’s not just about productivity. Deep work is a source of meaning:

• You feel satisfied when you give full attention to something hard.

• You escape the anxiety that comes from constant distraction.
  
  

✅ Key Takeaway

To thrive in a distracted world, master the rare skill of deep focus. It’s not just a way to work—it’s a way to live.