So while you might not be able to fully step away from your team communication tools, aim for 60-90 distraction-free minutes at a time. Simply put, Newport’s deep work theory suggests that to be truly productive, we should log out of all communication tools and work, uninterrupted, for long periods of time every day. The term was coined by Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University and author of “ Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World.” In his book, Newport defines deep work as a state of distraction-free concentration when your brain works at its maximum potential. What is deep work?ĭeep work is a state of peak concentration that lets you learn hard things and create quality work quickly. While most of us don’t have the luxury of stepping away for days or weeks at a time, you can still build deep work into your daily routine with a few simple practices. And clearly it worked, since work done during Gates’ “think weeks” led to innovations like the launch of Internet Explorer in 1995.īut you don’t have to retreat to a woodland cabin to get the full benefits of deep work.

Gates completely removes distractions from his surroundings in order to prioritize deep work-a state of concentration that maximizes creativity and focus. It’s just him and a stack of papers from Microsoft employees pitching new innovations or investments.

During his self-proclaimed “think weeks,” Gates completely isolates himself from the outside world-meaning no email, no phone calls, and no internet access. Twice a year, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates retreats to a cabin in the woods to do nothing but read and think big thoughts. In this article, we explore the benefits of deep work and offer seven rules to help you take advantage of deep work in your daily life. The concept of deep work was first coined by computer science professor Cal Newport, who suggests that to be truly productive, we should log out of all communication tools for multiple hours a day in order to sustain our focus. Deep work is a state of peak concentration that lets you learn hard things and create quality work quickly.

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