What is Deep Work?
Concept from Cal Newport, MIT professor — focused, distraction-free work at the highest cognitive level.
Principles:
- Single task for 45-90 minutes
- Zero distractions
- A trainable skill — start with 45 min
Preparation
- Choose ONE specific topic — "Math chapter 5, exponential"
- Gather materials: 2 pens, A4 paper, ONE book
- Phone out of room (not on desk)
- Internet OFF — use apps like Cold Turkey
- Hydrate — won't leave during session
During the session
- Underline key terms with pen (active reading)
- Every 1 page — close book, summarize mentally
- If confused — re-read immediately, don't skip
- Write questions in margin for later
Research: Students who do 2 Deep Work sessions/day (90 min each) score higher than those who study 4-5 hours fragmented.