Protect deep work

Cal Newport, a computer science professor, uses the term deep work for focused, uninterrupted work on something cognitively demanding: studying a hard topic, writing, designing, debugging. It produces most of the value in study and knowledge work, and it is becoming rarer as messages and feeds fill our days.

Newport argues that the ability to do it is a real advantage. In practice: schedule one or two deep work blocks of 60 to 120 minutes on most days, in your best hours, with your phone away, notifications off and one clear task. Start with shorter blocks if needed and build up. Tell people when you are unavailable.