Because most of this chapter is similar to Haley's first post. I will just cover some of the new points introduced rather than give a backstory. In an environment without clear impacts from our behavior, we will tend to follow the easiest path. With a lack of understanding of the value of productivity, people will tend to do busy work to make themselves appear to be hard-working. Life satisfaction correlates with the amount of flow experiences that occur in a given week. Flow experiences, such as ones involving deep work, are times where our mental abilities are being stretched to its limits. One's approach to a task is more important than the content of the task itself. Social media is necessary for no reason other than it exists. You have a finite amount of willpower, which depletes as you use it. Jobs are easier to enjoy than free-time because there are clearly defined goals built in.
So far in the book, Newport has made some interesting claims, but it is starting to get repetitive. Many of the situations are a repeat of someone noticing they've gotten more productive as they laid off of social media for a week. There has been more evidence to support the original claims made, but the statements themselves have not developed further. Fortunately, there is a new section of the book coming up which may introduce more diverse topics.
I agree that Newport's clarification on the lack of understanding value of productivity is becoming redundant with similar examples of other people's experiences in deep work. There is nothing new or fresh to provide with his statements.
ReplyDeleteI can agree that for many people, productivity occurs more when they take the time to put down their electronic devices. Along with being more productive, I have noticed that when people I know take a break from their phones, they simply appear happier. They have more time to enjoy life and notice the little things in their daily routine that they do not notice when they are on social media. As for the repetitive part, I remembered a show that I used to watch where the plot was always the main character getting into trouble. She would always be fine and the problem would be solved at the end of the episodes. Towards the end of the seasons however, it started to have a different plot as the series was coming to an end. Possibly this book will result in the same way.
ReplyDeleteReading “Deep Work”, I have been seeing the repetitive theme of the book, however I think the fact that it is continuously driving the core principles of concentrated work into our mindset is a food technique. Otherwise, we - or at least me - would not be able to think about it easily and at the top of my head.
ReplyDeleteBut on the other hand, the annoying, constantly rephrased facts are indeed obvious.
-Ian Jo
I agree that Cal Newport is starting to get repetitive. At first the idea of deep work which included no distractions such as not using technology and limiting yourself to a secluded place to work was a great start,but now he's just repeating his past ideas up to this point in the book.
ReplyDelete-Ahliyah Curry