Comments on: How Deep Work Makes You A Better and More Productive Writer

By: John Soares

John Soares — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 02:36:03 +0000

Thanks for subscribing, and I’m glad you like the content here at Productive Writers.

Cal Newport’s work has really helped me set priorities and get more done. I do hope you’ll read “Deep Work.”

By: Productive Physician

Productive Physician — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 01:45:43 +0000

Hi John,
I just found your site, and am devouring your content.
I agree that Deep Work is a profoundly helpful book. Newport’s clarity of thought is really impressive – I just wish I was as capable of seeing the wood for the trees!
Identifying the work that actually moves you closer to your goals is getting harder and harder. I value Newport’s approach to figuring it out.
Thanks again – new subscriber here!

By: John Soares

John Soares — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 17:58:00 +0000

In reply to Anne Wayman. I prefer to use paper for daily schedules and Word documents for to-do lists, in part because I don't have to connect to the Internet to use them, and in part because I have a good system that works for me.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 17:46:36 +0000

In reply to John Soares.

Thanks, John… yeah, I’ll look for the work. Right now todoist and google calendar seem to be handling my tracking stuff… I love the idea of paper and pen and I can’t read my own writing half the time!

By: John Soares

John Soares — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 20:08:07 +0000

In reply to Bren Murphy. Bren, I also find that I really enjoy my Deep Work time.

By: Bren Murphy

Bren Murphy — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:59:12 +0000

Hi John, Really like this post – sweeping everything aside for some deep work is one of life’s pleasures!
Thanks
Bren

By: John Soares

John Soares — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 18:59:14 +0000

In reply to Cathy Miller. Life definitely does throw the unexpected at us, or a task could take longer than we expected. The solution is, as you say, to adjust accordingly. Deep Work author Cal Newport says we need to make the necessary changes in our daily schedule and perhaps move an item or two to the next day.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 18:55:28 +0000

John, this is excellent. Love how you made the connection between the author’s points and our own writing. One comment I would make (at least for me) is that you have to be flexible in your blocked off time. Personal commitments come up (like caring for my almost 94-year-old mother – and I’m sure working moms as well) that can disrupt even the best-laid plans. It doesn’t mean throwing out the product and process, just adjusting it.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 18:01:33 +0000

In reply to Tom Bentley. Excellent, Tom. I have all sounds and alerts turned off at all times. I try to check email only 2-3 times a day, except when I post here, when I check more frequently so I can answer comments.

By: Tom Bentley

Tom Bentley — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 17:05:09 +0000

Thanks John. Some simple tactics can make a big difference. When I have a project that requires full concentration, I empty my screen of all windows (which usually include a browser, my email and an instant message app, and sometimes Twitter), and turn off all sounds and alerts. Makes a huge difference (and reduces anxiety too).

Lots of good stuff in this post.