A big issue people have when they're new to deep work is that they have built up mainly in their personal life, but also at work, this connection in their mind between boredom and stimuli. So there's this foundational step people often have to take where they basically have to just white knuckle a bunch of boredom in their life solely so they can break this addiction. And if your brain has been taught, you get stimuli when you're bored, it won't tolerate deep work. It's almost like standing in line at the bank and not pulling your phone out is like isometrics.
Cal Newport is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University, and the author most recently of Deep Work, a book which argues that focus is the new I.Q. in the modern workplace, and So Good They Can’t Ignore You, a book which debunks the long-held belief that “follow your passion” is good advice.
In addition to studying the theoretical foundations of our digital age as a professor, Newport also writes about the impact of these technologies on the world of work.
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