Deep work - the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.
Essential for producing valuable output, and it is becoming increasingly rare due to the constant distractions of modern technology and the proliferation of shallow work (tasks that do not require deep focus).
Practical strategies for cultivating the ability to do deep work:
- setting clear goals
- creating a dedicated workspace
- setting aside dedicated blocks of time for deep work
- developing a “deep work ethic”
The ability to do deep work is becoming increasingly valuable and rare, as more tasks can be automated and the demands of the modern workplace often involve a constant barrage of shallow, distracting tasks.
It is important to be selective about what tasks and projects you choose to pursue, as not all tasks will require deep work and may not be worth the time and effort.
Attention residue - negative impact that switching between tasks or being interrupted can have on your ability to focus on a particular task.
“Monastic” / “Bimodal” approaches to deep work - either dedicating a large block of time to deep work or structuring your workday around dedicated blocks of time for deep work.
The importance of developing a “ritual” for deep work - creating a specific set of habits and practices that you follow in order to enter a state of flow and focus on your work.