Focus Through Simple Steps: Train, Protect, Signal

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To cultivate a deep work habit, begin by improving your focus through regular practice. Implement a simple strategy, such as eliminating distractions like your phone after dinner or employing an internet blocker during weekends. Next, prioritize deep work by scheduling dedicated time in advance, such as committing to five hours a week divided into focused sessions. Finally, make a deliberate choice that reinforces your commitment to focus, such as quitting a distracting social media platform. By taking one actionable step from each of these three categories—train, protect, and signal—you will significantly enhance your ability to engage in deep work.

Cal Newport: Deep Work Cal Newport, author of Deep Work*, teaches us the rules for focused success in a distracted world. Key Points The Four Rules of Deep Work: Work Deeply Embrace Boredom Quit Social Media Drain the Shallows How to get started with Deep Work: Train your brain to be better at focusing (example: put your phone away after dinner) Set aside time for deep work (example: set aside five hours a week for deep work) Make a move in your life that signals to yourself that you take the ability to focus seriously (example: quitting a social media service) Quotes A big problem with a lot of these attention-stealing technologies is that we’ve adopted … the “any benefit mindset” for tool adoption. –Cal Newport You have to wean [your brain] off its dependence on novel stimuli every time you feel a little bored. –Cal Newport I think focus is the new IQ, and that deep work is going to become one of the most valuable skills as our economy gets more competitive and more complex. –Cal Newport In almost any profession, cultivating a deep work ethic will produce massive benefits. –Cal Newport It’s wrong to assume you automatically have the right to work whatever schedule you want. –Cal Newport Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.