How to do valuable work? (Book review)
- yuchiah
- Mar 21, 2020
- 2 min read
Taking back our attention
Two books that have taught me valuable lessons in allocating my attention wisely are Deep Work and Attention Merchants. Deep Work recognizes the value of people continuously working on valuable things and encourages people to devote their scarce attention to them. The Attention Merchants looks into how our attention is manipulated and commoditized and how do we regain our control in today’s world
Cal Newport (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
I had used the lenses provided by Deep Work to view my daily job last year. I discovered that the constant expectation of being present on all kinds of communication tools (Email, social media, and corporate communication tool) greatly consumed my energy of being able to work deeply and generate value. My tiredness and frustration were caused by shallow works and while my ambition is calling for deep and valuable work.
Having tried some of the advice that Newport provides, such as setting a specific time for email checking, turning away from social media, they improved my concentration and productivity at work. These are just examples and tips that Newport offered. The greater value that a deep work habit has given him is something that you might be interested in taking a look yourself.
Tim Wu (2016). The Attention Merchants
The Attention Merchants might be one of the best books I read in the past 2 years. Therefore, I highly recommend it to people who are interested in the modern media history, and how our attention is manipulated and commoditized throughout the time. Attention is a key metaphor the reader would capture while reading the book. It’s a lens to see through the omnipresent advertisement and understand how and why all kinds of parties are deploying the most creative ideas and means to seize our attention.
The Attention Merchants and Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World form a strong voice urging us to use our time and attention well. These books guide us to contemplate what kind of life we would like to lead in the world exceeding with information.
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