#042: The Incredible Value of Deep Work, Instead of Distraction – with Cal Newport

Your most valuable asset isn't your house, car or retirement portfolio. It's your attention. Most knowledge workers spend their day franticly hopping between meetings, emails, phone calls and social media. But that's not the best way to stand out in the modern economy. Emails are necessary, says author and professor Cal Newport. They'll keep you from getting fired. But they won't get you promoted. Instead, focus on deep work, Newport says. Dedicate your mental energy towards cognitively-demanding tasks that stretch the limits of your capabilities. Develop your skills as a writer, investor, programmer, mathematician, musician, artist, or whatever field you practice. You'll achieve bigger success from honing rare, valuable skills than you would from sending a few additional tweets or replying to emails at a faster pace, he says. You'll also enjoy more meaningful work. Deep work isn't something that you cram into the margins of your life. To the contrary, focusing on deep work allows you to boost your productivity at work and feel more fully present at home. Newport discusses the concept of Deep Work, and shares tips on how to apply this to our lives, in today's podcast.