Deep Work
Self-management
Use the four disciplines of execution to execute your deep work strategy.

Use the four disciplines of execution to execute your deep work strategy.

from Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

By executing the four disciplines, you will become massively productive, creating new opportunities and success for yourself.

How to Apply This

  1. Focus on the wildly important.
    Deep work is not meant to be done 10-12 hours daily. At maximum, you can work deeply for about four hours. So choose tangible goals that will produce substantial benefits and ensure they can be completed within four hours.

  2. Act on the lead measures.
    There are two measures to track progress: Lag measures refer to the final results, and lead measures refer to your behaviors that drive the results. For example, if you want to lose weight, your weight is the lag measure, and the number of hours of exercise done is the lead measure. To be more productive, always act on the lead measures (e.g., work more hours if you’re exercising or fill in more applications if you’re job hunting).

  3. Keep a compelling scoreboard.
    The best way is to use a physical scoreboard and hang it on your wall. Write down the number of hours spent working on tasks, and circle the point where you complete each task.

  4. Create a cadence of accountability.
    Having accountability means setting up weekly meetings with your friends or yourself to discuss your deep work progress. This is the most powerful step, as real execution happens here.

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