Deep Work

Many modern knowledge workers now spend most of their brain power battling distraction and interruption, whether because of the incessant pinging of devices, noisy open-plan offices or the difficulty of deciding what deserves your attention the most. When Cal Newport coined the term 'deep work' on his popular blog, Study Hacks, in 2012, he found the concept quickly hit a nerve. Most of us, after all, are excruciatingly familiar with shallow work instead - distractedly skimming the surface of our workload and never getting to the important part. Newport began exploring the methods and mindset that foster a practice of distraction-free productivity at work, and now, in DEEP WORK, he shows how anyone can achieve this elusive state. Through revealing portraits of both historical and modern-day thinkers, academics and leaders in the fields of technology, science and culture, and their deep work habits, Newport shares an inspiring collection of tools to wring every last drop of value out of your intellectual capacity. He explains why mastering this shift in work practices is crucial for anyone who intends to stay ahead in a complex information economy, and how to systematically train the mind to focus. Put simply: developing and cultivating a deep work practice is one of the best decisions we can make in an increasingly distracted world.

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Veel moderne kenniswerkers gebruiken tegenwoordig hun denkkracht voornamelijk in de strijd tegen afleiding en onderbrekingen, of dit nu komt door het voortdurende gepiep van apparaten, lawaaiige open kantoorruimtes of om te beslissen wat het meeste je aandacht nodig heeft. Toen Cal Newport de term 'diep werk' introduceerde op zijn populaire blog Study Hacks in 2012, merkte hij dat dit een gevoelige snaar raakte. De meeste van ons zijn namelijk vooral bezig met oppervlakkig werk - we moeten ons door de berg werk heen worstelen en komen daardoor nooit toe aan het belangrijke deel. Newport begon na te denken over methoden en een denkwijze die ervoor zorgen dat mensen niet worden afgeleid op het werk. In DEEP WORK toont hij aan iedereen hoe je deze moeilijk te definiëren toestand kunt bereiken. Via onthullende portretten van zowel historische als moderne denkers, academici en leiders op het gebied van technologie, wetenschap en cultuur en hun gewoontes met betrekking tot diep werk, deelt Newport een inspirerende collectie instrumenten om alles uit je intellectuele capaciteiten te halen. Hij legt uit waarom het cruciaal is om deze methode onder de knie krijgen als je voorop wilt blijven lopen in een complexe informatie-economie en hoe je systematisch je geest kunt trainen om je beter te concentreren. Eenvoudig gezegd: het ontwikkelen en toepassen van diep werk is één van de beste keuzes die we kunnen maken in een wereld waar steeds meer afleiding bestaat.

Recensie(s)

A fascinating book by American university professor Cal Newport... he provides excellent practical strategies for overcoming modern distractions -- Yoni Birnaum * Jewish Chronicle * Engaging and substantive ... Deep Work accomplishes two considerable tasks: One is putting out a wealth of concrete practices for the ambitious, without relying on gauzy cliches. The second is that Mr. Newport resists the corporate groupthink of constant connectivity without seeming like a curmudgeon. * The Wall Street Journal * As automation and outsourcing reshape the workplace, what new skill do we need? The ability to do deep work. Cal Newport's exciting new book is an introduction and guide to the kind of intense concentration in a distraction-free environment that results in fast, powerful learning and performance. Think of it as calisthenics for your mind-and start your exercise program today. -- Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive Deep Work makes a compelling case for cultivating intense focus, and offers immediately actionable steps for infusing more of it into our lives. -- Adam M. Grant, author of Originals Cal Newport is a clear voice in a sea of noise, bringing science and passion in equal measure. We don't need more clicks, more cats, and more emojis. We need brave work, work that happens when we refuse to avert our eyes. -- Seth Godin, author of Linchpin Engaging and substantive ... Deep Work accomplishes two considerable tasks: One is putting out a wealth of concrete practices for the ambitious, without relying on gauzy cliches. The second is that Mr. Newport resists the corporate groupthink of constant connectivity without seeming like a curmudgeon. * The Wall Street Journal * What emerges most powerfully is the sense that it's wrong to think of deep work as one more thing you've got to try to cram into your schedule. Truly committing to it, Newport suggests, transforms the rest of your time - so you'll crank through shallow work faster, be more present in your home life, and eliminate time wasted switching between tasks. Depth, in short, isn't at odds with a full life - it facilitates it. I'm persuaded. -- Oliver Burkeman, The Guardian DEEP WORK is now one of my all-time favorite books, and I'm not joking when I say it was a life-changing read for me. I think it can be for you too -- Brett McKay, author of The Art of Manliness A wonderfully entangled, intertwined, and erudite series of strategies, philosophies, disciplines, and techniques to sharpen your focus and dive deep into your work * 800-CEO-READ * This is a deep, not shallow, book which can enrich your life * The Globe and Mail * DEEP WORK is the killer app of the knowledge economy: it is only by concentrating intensely that you can master a difficult discipline or solve a demanding problem * The Economist * [A] worthwhile distraction. * ValueWalk * In this strong self-help book, Newport declares that the habits of modern professionals-checking email at all hours, rushing from meeting to meeting, and valuing multitasking above all else-only stand in the way of truly valuable work * Publisher's Weekly * Here lies a playbook for professionals of all stripes to achieve true differentiation in a crowded talent marketplace. Cal Newport's latest shows why he is one of the most provocative thinkers on the future of work. -- Ben Casnocha, co-author of The Start-Up Of You Just when you think you already know this stuff, DEEP WORK hits you with surprisingly unique and useful insights. Rule #3 alone, with its discussion of the 'Any-Benefit' mind-set, is worth the price of this book. -- Derek Sivers, founder, Sivers.org Cal Newport offers the most well-informed and astute collection of practical advice I have seen for reclaiming one's mental powers. -- Matthew B. Crawford, author of The World Beyond Your Head Cal Newport is a clear voice in a sea of noise, bringing science and passion in equal measure. We don't need more clicks, more cats, and more emojis. We need brave work, work that happens when we refuse to avert our eyes. -- Seth Godin, author of What to Do When It's Your Turn DEEP WORK makes a compelling case for cultivating intense focus, and offers immediately actionable steps for infusing more of it into our lives. -- Adam M. Grant, author of Give and Take As automation and outsourcing reshape the workplace, what new skill do we need? The ability to do deep work. Cal Newport's exciting new book is an introduction and guide to the kind of intense concentration in a distraction-free environment that results in fast, powerful learning and performance. Think of it as calisthenics for your mind-and start your exercise program today. -- Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive and To Sell Is Human DEEP WORK accomplishes two considerable tasks: One is putting out a wealth of concrete practices for the ambitious, without relying on gauzy cliches. The second is that Mr. Newport resists the corporate groupthink of constant connectivity without seeming like a curmudgeon * Wall Street Journal * As a presence on the page, Newport is exceptional in the realm of self-help authors * New York Times Book Review *