Deep Work: The Superpower of the 21st Century

In an age of TikTok and constant emails, the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task is becoming rare. This skill is called Deep Work.

Shallow vs. Deep Work

Shallow Work: Answering emails, meetings, and data entry. This keeps you from getting fired, but it doesn't get you promoted.

Deep Work: Writing code, designing a strategy, or writing a book. This creates new value and is hard to replicate.

The "Monk Mode" Strategy

To enter deep work, you must eliminate all context switching. When you glance at an email, a residue of your attention remains stuck on that email for 20 minutes.

• Turn off your phone (put it in another room).
• Close all browser tabs except the one you need.
• Use noise-canceling headphones.