Deep Work

Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

By: Cal Newport

Narrated by: Jeff Bottoms

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Popular blogger Cal Newport reveals the new key to achieving success and true meaning in professional life: the ability to master distraction.

Many modern knowledge workers now spend most of their brain power battling distraction and interruption, whether because of the incessant pinging of devices, noisy open-plan offices or the difficulty of deciding what deserves their attention the most. When Cal Newport coined the term deep work on his popular blog, Study Hacks, in 2012, he found the concept quickly hit a nerve. Most of us, after all, are excruciatingly familiar with shallow work instead - distractedly skimming the surface of our workload and never getting to the important part. Newport began exploring the methods and mind-set that foster a practice of distraction-free productivity at work, and now, in Deep Work, he shows how anyone can achieve this elusive state.

Through revealing portraits of both historical and modern-day thinkers, academics and leaders in the fields of technology, science and culture, and their deep work habits, Newport shares an inspiring collection of tools to wring every last drop of value out of your intellectual capacity. He explains why mastering this shift in work practices is crucial for anyone who intends to stay ahead in a complex information economy and how to systematically train the mind to focus. Put simply: developing and cultivating a deep work practice is one of the best decisions we can make in an increasingly distracted world.

©2016 Cal Newport (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Engaging and substantive.... Deep Work accomplishes two considerable tasks: One is putting out a wealth of concrete practices for the ambitious, without relying on gauzy clichés. The second is that Mr. Newport resists the corporate groupthink of constant connectivity without seeming like a curmudgeon." ( The Wall Street Journal)

"Cal Newport is a clear voice in a sea of noise, bringing science and passion in equal measure. We don't need more clicks, more cats, and more emojis. We need brave work, work that happens when we refuse to avert our eyes." (Seth Godin, author of Linchpin)

"As automation and outsourcing reshape the workplace, what new skill do we need? The ability to do deep work. Cal Newport's exciting new book is an introduction and guide to the kind of intense concentration in a distraction-free environment that results in fast, powerful learning and performance. Think of it as calisthenics for your mind - and start your exercise program today." (Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive)

" Deep Work makes a compelling case for cultivating intense focus, and offers immediately actionable steps for infusing more of it into our lives." (Adam M. Grant, author of Originals)

Must read

Great and a must read book, especially if your struggling with focus, studies or being inefficient.

Highly valuable lesson clearly and well explained

Leaves you with tangible understanding and tools to produce the better work in a shorter period of time. Rambles a bit sometimes, and over emphasises some of the points, but all in all a very valuable book for anyone who wants to be more and do more than average

Great tips and very well read!

I really like how the author focused his thesis. Nicely done, I'm sure I'll read other books from the same author.

Changed my work ethics.

I believe for those of us who are driven to put all distractions away and focus this book provides the guidance.

An awesome book

I've read it a couple of times and it's still an awesome book. I'm so grateful I found it.

great motivaton to begin that thing you wanted

very good book with lots of clear examples of what the author means when he talks about his ideas.

great insight about the way our mind and focus work when trying to achieve our goals.

must read for everyone

Slow and verbose but definitely contains gems

I would definitely recommend this book. The core idea is great and it contains some good insights. But be prepared to struggle through some slow parts

Deeply moved by the book

I will start implement some of Cal's strategies as fast I can. A great book for finding meaning.

La verdadera clave de la productividad

Muy interesante, para todos los amantes de la productividad, la realización profesional y la consecución de resultados.
El autor nos muestra la confusión de la sociedad actual, obsesionada con la inmediatez y la excesiva prontitud en la respuesta. La solición es mucho más simple, y nos demuestra que el mejor trabajo se consigue bloqueando períodos de máxima concentración. Y lo mejor, nos expone como conseguirlo en una realidad actual, en la que se espera lo contrario de nosotros.
Más de uno posiblemente se replanteará su orientación laboral tras la escucha.

Recommended for everyone

Even if you’re not a tenure track professor or an aspiring author, I highly recommend this book.