Rama Krishna's Key Ideas from Deep Work
by Cal Newport

It’s not enough to have the intention to work more deeply. We need to systematically install new routines and rituals to create the new habits that will lead to more and more deep work. This is a hallmark of great humans.

For some reason these days, the MOMENT we have a lull in our lives—whether that’s a few minutes before a friend arrives for lunch or in line at the grocery store or whatever—most of us *immediately* grab our smart phone and compulsively check out whatever we think we need to see right this second. We have about a hundredth of a second of tolerance for boredom.

Cal tells us that rather than immediately flail around in the shallow end of the distraction pool, we need to EMBRACE BOREDOM. Use those moments to think or breathe deeply.

If there’s a poster child for shallow living, it’s social media. Cal walks us through a logical analysis of the fact that just because there’s a little benefit to things like social media (e.g., staying connected to old friends, etc.), doesn’t mean it’s actually worth the time we give it.

If we REALLY want to live deeply—working and loving—we can do better than fritter away our time on social media. The bold among us shall quit it!

One of Cal’s big tips here? SCHEDULE EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY. Not to drive yourself crazy, but to bring more mindfulness to your day.