Deep Work by Carl Newport

 

Deep Work by Carl Newport: Book Review

In a world distracted with everything, focus is the new gold. deep work can be termed as a synonym for focus in the current world that is obsessed and is indulging in everything to distract itself. It is no surprise that Carl Newport’s book “Deep Work” is a global bestseller. Deep work is perhaps the most sought- after skill after Critical thinking in the current social scenario.

There’s something catchy about this term “Deep Work”. It comes out as something professional and no nonsense. But it is as difficult to practice this concept. A dive into the book and we will come to know why in a world that is obsessed with being distracted- Deep Work is pure gold.

The book starts with a historical practical example about one of the most influential thinkers of the 20^th century, psychiatrist Carl Jung. This introductory piece showcases as to how Carl Jung back then in the year 1922 through various means and processes practiced the concept of deep Work by retreating to a far- off village. The schedule that Carl Jung had prepared for himself was disciplined, focused and consisted of regular stints of uninterrupted deep Work sessions of two hours that was spent in undistracted writings. This reading of the entire schedule and the satisfaction derived by Jung sets the tone for the readers for understanding of the concept of deep Work.

The introductory chapter also brings in an interesting comparison between deep work (activities performed in non- distracted environments) and shallow work (logical style tasks performed while being distracted that creates not much value). The readers will enjoy this introductory chapter through the lives and times of Carl Jung and other modern- day examples.

The first part of the book concentrates on the “Idea” of deep work essentially concentrating on two core abilities for thriving in the new economy being that of the ability to quickly master hard things and the ability to produce at an elite level in terms of quality and speed. This part establishes how deep Work helps learn hard things quickly for long term recall.

The second part of the book concentrates on the “Rules” of deep work. The core principle established in this section is the decision on the level of depth philosophy in the deep work culture. In this section one would come across; The Monastic philosophy of deep work scheduling, Bimodal Philosophy of deep work Philosophy, Rhythmic Philosophy of deep work scheduling and the journalistic philosophy of deep work scheduling. In this section, one would also come across the key essential disciplines one need to have to execute effective deep work practice.

The next part brings us to the importance of “Embracing Boredom” to actually perform great and deep work. This is in an interesting section read as we come across that it is important to take break from focus. With some good examples, this section serves as insightful for the reader.

The next section brings us to the question of quitting social media to bring to absolute control and focus back to every activity of our lives. This part showcases the various ways and benefits of quitting social media and cons of being on social media. A specific portion also concentrates on the effective use of Internet.

There are some interesting lessons for the reader in the last section of “Drain the Shallows”. The most interesting one would be where in it is showcases why it is important to be “Hard to reach” and showcases how one could use various tricks while using electronic communication like E-mails.

The book is full of examples and practical live cases connected to each of the concepts that the author is trying to highlight. The reader will enjoy each of the examples when they connect with the underlying concepts of deep work.

The final pages of the book are encouraging to the reader where in the author showcases how deep work is extremely powerful and why it is one of the most impactful and transformative experience. In the notes section, one would come across the links to various articles that has helped the author to bring in more examples and deep understanding of the concept.

The book is an enjoyable read for the positive and productive learning it provided in a world full of distraction. The pacing of the book is entertaining and the reader will not be bored. However, it’s not a one sitting read. A more productive time line to read this book would be over a period two weeks and consuming the aspects and concepts of deep work and trying to implement in one’s daily life.