Deep Work

by Cal Newport

I still remember the day I bought Deep Work—a perfect fall day in Haarlem. I had spent the morning wandering around the city, enjoying the crisp air and the golden leaves that had just started to fall. After visiting a few stores, I found myself in De Vries Van Stockum, a quaint little bookstore on the Gedempte Oude Gracht. It’s the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem, with shelves filled with books waiting to be discovered. That’s when I stumbled upon Deep Work by Cal Newport.

I’ve always been fascinated by the brain, focus, and learning, so this book felt like a natural fit. After making my purchase, I walked over to a cozy coffee corner nearby, ordered a hot coffee, and settled in. As I sipped my drink and read the first few pages, I was immediately captivated. The quiet, comforting ambiance of the café seemed to mirror the essence of the book—a perfect backdrop to dive into Newport’s thoughts on deep focus and productivity.

My life is a whirlwind of work, studies, hobbies, friends, and family, so I’m no stranger to the feeling of being pulled in a hundred different directions. I plan moments of solitude at home, but I also love taking myself on solo trips, whether it’s exploring a new city or spending the day in a museum. Deep Work came into my life at a time when I was craving more focus—more time to truly immerse myself in what matters most.

The core message of Deep Work is simple but profound: in an increasingly distracted world, the ability to focus deeply on meaningful work is rare, but it’s also a superpower. Newport breaks down the science of focus and productivity, and he offers practical advice on how to cultivate what he calls “deep work.” Reading it, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own habits. The constant multitasking, the interruptions, the struggle to carve out dedicated time to truly concentrate—it all felt so familiar. And yet, Newport’s perspective felt like a breath of fresh air. He didn’t just highlight the problem, but he offered a path forward.

What struck me most was Newport’s emphasis on the importance of building a life that supports deep work, rather than simply trying to fit moments of focus into an already overloaded schedule. For someone like me, with so many passions and responsibilities, this was exactly what I needed to hear. It wasn’t about doing more—it was about doing less but doing it with intention and depth.

As I’ve applied some of the strategies from the book, I’ve noticed how much more fulfilling my work becomes when I give it my full, undivided attention. It’s not just about being more productive; it’s about finding a deeper connection to what I’m working on, whether it’s my studies, my job, or even my personal projects.

What is Deep Work about?

In Deep Work, Cal Newport explores the concept of focused, undistracted work in a world filled with constant interruptions. Newport argues that the ability to engage in deep work is a valuable skill that allows us to produce better results, improve our focus, and find more fulfillment in what we do. He contrasts this with “shallow work,” the endless tasks and distractions that eat away at our time but add little value to our lives or careers.

Through a mix of research, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, Newport offers strategies for cultivating deep work, such as creating rituals for focus, eliminating distractions, and prioritizing time for uninterrupted concentration. His book is a wake-up call for anyone looking to reclaim their attention and dedicate themselves to the work that truly matters.