Deep work
Success in the modern world relies on two core abilities:
The ability to quickly master hard things
The ability to produce at an elite level, in terms of both quality and speed
(Cal Newport)
And these two aren’t one-time achievements - the truth is, the cycle never ends. Time after time the bar is raised - a new tool, a new challenge, a new role - you are expected to learn fast, produce fast, and deliver fast. Winners are not those with the most knowledge, but those with the discipline to go deep quickly, and again and again.
To thrive in this world, you must treat focus like a muscle — one that you train, protect, and strengthen.
Protected Focus
Distraction is the enemy of depth. Design your day with barriers, not just goals. That means:
Blocking off FOCUS time for deep work
Prepare a mental and physical state that makes you able to discard things that fragment your attention. Link (“Train your attention”)
Deliberate Practice: Build Routines & Rituals
Turn deep work from a willpower challenge into a habitual system. (Link to “Neuroplasticity”)
Routines: A fixed schedule or location that signals to your brain, “now, we go deep.”
Rituals: A sequence (like clearing your desk, writing your goal, setting a timer) that transitions your mind into focus mode
Limits: Constraints such as timeboxing (e.g., 90 minutes, no exceptions) that actually improve quality by forcing sharper thinking.
