Success in a Distracted World has dramatically changed my view point of my work ethic, even though I am only 50 pages in.
Newport states there is two types of working: Deep Work and Shallow Work. Deep work is working without distractions and completely focusing, while shallow work is working inefficiently and working along side distractions. Newport uses historical examples of authors who had used the theory of deep work, such as J.K Rowling and Mark Twain. Both cut off all access to society and communication and were able to completely give themselves to their work. He uses personal insight with deep work to defend his claim. Newport shares that deep work has made his become a better writer and connect with his publications. He transitions into the first chapter by stating the ideals of deep work can only be upheld if you adapt to your surroundings. Meaning, Deep work was more attainable when there wasn't as many distractions, such as technology. Newport states that the trick is to adapt to the new advancements in the new world. Furthermore, his thesis is symbolized with this equation: (time spent) x (intensity of focus) = high-quality work produced. All in all, this equation shows Newports main point of focusing and spending time working will conclude with quality work.
That concept of deep work is very interesting - giving something your extremely strong focus, and not allowing absolutely anything to occupy your mind except for you work.
ReplyDeleteFocus is very important, and it doesn't necessarily need to be perfected, but it is something people should have. I'm curious as to what else this book has to say about just the concept of deep work itself, and the application of it.
I am also reading the same book and after reading about the first 50 pages, I began to question whether we can blame teenagers inability to indulge in deep work on bad habits (working with distractions) or lack of self control. Is shallow work a habit or do we not contain the self control to isolate ourselves amongst the various distractions? In my opinion, i think we lack the self control and we make a choice to give our attention to matters that are more entertaining. Moreover, i'd like to point out that I agree that deep work was more attainable when their weren't variables such as technology, but like Newport says, we must adapt to our environment. At this point, its really survival of the fittest lol.
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