Deep Work

Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

By: Cal Newport

Narrated by: Jeff Bottoms

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)

I didn't expect such a deep book

I liked how the book suggests pragmatic methods to apply to life and how it has prepared answers for arguments. Thanks to this book I realized how distracted my life is. I finished this book in a plane, btw a good place to do deep work :)

Very good advice but the first third of the book is boring

I liked the book overall and the tips are great but i got really bored by the first third of the book where the importance of deep work is explained. It is probably due to the fact that I already recognized the importance of deep work before starting this book. A great book nonetheless

A life changing and affirming message.

Deep work is everything. many people practice this without even knowing;many don't.

in as much as deep work isn't the only key to succeed in life but it's a critical and essential element.

I'd advice all to read this.

Excellent book by a credible author

Excellent book by a credible author. Deeply focused work is what’s emphasized regardless of the significance of the work. After all, we all need to go to the bathroom. What seems shallow may not be as shallow as you might think.

A very good book

Sometimes a bit redundant and repetitive, but this serves to drive home the message and leave the reader with a lesson learned. The commitment to deep work requires effort, but Cal Newport manages to demonstrate not onlu the challenges, but all the upsides and benefits it has.