Summary of “What is Deep Work?” (Asana)
Deep work, a term coined by Cal Newport, refers to a state of peak, distraction-free concentration that enables you to learn difficult things and produce high-quality work quickly. The article highlights that deep work is essential for productivity, creativity, and skill development. Key benefits include avoiding distractions, rewiring your brain for faster learning, and increasing both the quality and speed of your output.
The article contrasts deep work with “shallow work”—routine, easily replicable tasks often performed while distracted. It emphasizes that while shallow work is unavoidable, reducing it can make space for more meaningful, high-impact tasks.
To build deep work into your routine, the article suggests:
- Logging out of communication tools and working uninterrupted for 60–90 minutes at a time.
- Auditing your time to distinguish between deep and shallow work.
- Scheduling focused work blocks and minimizing digital distractions (e.g., turning off notifications).
- Setting clear goals and tracking progress.
- Prioritizing rest and creating boundaries to prevent burnout.
Ultimately, deep work is presented as a path to greater satisfaction, creativity, and effectiveness in both professional and personal life.