The reviewer found 'Deep Work' to be a highly valuable book that emphasizes the importance of focused, distraction-free work for increasing productivity. They appreciated the practical rules and examples provided, and noted that applying deep work principles has significantly improved their own productivity and well-being.
The reviewer was glad to finally read 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport, a book that has been widely discussed on various podcasts. They found the book to be particularly relevant at the beginning of 2019, as it addresses the challenges of maintaining focus in a distracted world. The reviewer highlighted the importance of deep work, which involves working without distractions to increase productivity. Newport's examples of prolific figures like Carl Jung and J.K. Rowling, who sought solitude to do their work, resonated with the reviewer. They also appreciated Newport's personal case study, which demonstrated how deep work principles can be applied to increase academic productivity. The reviewer noted that when they apply deep work principles to their own work, their productivity skyrockets and their overall disposition improves. They also found the four rules for deep work—work deeply, embrace boredom, quit social media, and drain the shallows—to be practical and helpful. The reviewer believes that 'Deep Work' complements other books like 'Atomic Habits' and emphasizes the importance of developing habits and rituals to find time and focus for deep work.
Quick quotes
The reason knowledge workers are losing their familiarity with deep work is well established: network tools” (Newport, 2016, p. 5).
I have recognized when I apply deep work principles to my work, my productivity skyrockets and my overall disposition is better at the end of the day.
According to Newport, boredom is a disrupter to productivity.