The secret of deep work
I recently read a book about succeeding in today’s economy.
It’s called “Deep Work” by Cal Newport.
If you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend it.
The book’s main argument is:
“The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. As a consequence, the few who cultivate this skill, and then make it the core of their working life, will thrive.”
Here are some of the key concepts it says you need to succeed in today’s economy:
Work Deeply
“Deep Work are professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit.”
You can achieve this by adding routines and rituals into your work day. This builds up habits and cuts down on the willpower needed to maintain your concentration.
For example, figure out where you’ll work, how long you’ll work, and how you’ll support your work. This way, you’ll be producing consistently high-quality work in the time you have available.
Embrace Boredom
We’re so used to looking at our phones or checking our emails the second we are bored. As a result, our brains have become wired where it’s not ready for deep focused work. We have to rewire our brains so that we become used to resisting distracting stimuli.
The next time you’re waiting for your friend and you get the itch to check your phone, don’t. Embrace the boredom.
Quit Social Media
Consider quitting social media for 30 days and see if you feel any better after your sabbatical. If you decide to use social media, don’t use it to entertain yourself.
By filling your time with more meaningful activities, such as learning a new skill or reading a stimulating book, you’ll start to feel more relaxed and fulfilled.
Drain The Shallows
Reduce the amount of “shallow work” that you do.
Shallow work is “noncognitively demanding, logistical-style tasks, often performed while distracted. These efforts tend to not create much new value in the world and are easy to replicate.”
Things such as replying to emails and taking calls should be reduced so you can focus your time on what’s important: deep work. And in your case, that means building up your business.
Basically, here’s my main takeaway I got from the book:
Deep work is what’s needed to succeed in today’s economy.
Distraction is a destroyer of depth which reduces your overall value you can provide to the marketplace.
In today’s ever-connected world, we’re constantly living a state of distractions – such as endless Facebook posts, Instagram feeds, and Twitter tweets – that are taking away our focus.
Same thing happens in business.
Everywhere you look, there seems to be a guru saying that they have the revolutionary system or a new cutting-edge technique to making you rich over night. They’re all trying to convince you they’re the answer you’ve been looking for.
My advice?
Ignore all these distractions and stay focused.
Focus on the few key things that will build up your business such as by showing up every day, putting in the hours, making small improvements, and providing maximum value to your customers.
That’s how you win.
If you want to win more customers, my emails copywriting services can help.
My emails are based on core copywriting principles that are proven to engage your readers and get them to take action.
I’ll work with you to create a series of profit-boosting emails for your business.
http://alexwongcopywriting.
Alex Wong
Your profit-boosting coach