Glossary
Deep work, explained
Deep work is work done in a state of distraction-free concentration that pushes your abilities to their limit: writing, coding, designing, analysing. The term comes from Cal Newport's book Deep Work (2016).
What it means
Newport contrasts deep work with shallow work: logistical tasks that can be done while distracted, like most email and many meetings. His argument is that deep work produces most of the value in knowledge jobs and is becoming rarer, because constant messaging fragments the day.
How to do it in a calendar
- Book one to three deep work blocks of 90 to 180 minutes each weekday, ideally before meetings start.
- Same time every day, so it becomes a habit instead of a decision.
- Phone in another room, notifications off, one task per block.
- Tick the block off only if it was actually deep.
An example
A developer blocks 08:30 to 11:30 every weekday for "Deep work: the checkout rewrite", and moves standups to 11:45. Over a month the Cutline record shows 60 deep hours instead of the scattered 20 she had before.
Common mistakes
- Booking more than you can do. Most people manage around 3 to 4 hours of truly deep work a day.
- Letting it float. A deep block without a fixed time loses to meetings.
Where it comes from
Cal Newport, Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World (2016).
Questions
How many hours of deep work a day are realistic?
Newport suggests that around four hours a day is close to the limit for most people. Many start with 90 minutes and build up.
Does deep work have to be in the morning?
No, but morning works for many people because it comes before the day fills up. Pick the time your energy and your calendar allow.
Plan your week on Cutline
Free forever for planning, XP, streaks and the Arena. Reserve your @name now.