In the book "Deep Work," it is mentioned that with the proliferation of multimedia information, people's ability to engage in deep work gradually decreases. However, the continuous development of productivity requires more advanced technical workers with complex skills in social production. To master complex skills, one must possess the ability to engage in deep work. The author specifically mentions three types of people who have special advantages in the future and can be considered in practical situations:
- Those who can use intelligent machines to perform work beautifully and creatively.
- Those who are the best in their industry.
- Those who possess capital.
First, one must possess the ability to quickly grasp complex tools, which means having a fast learning ability. When faced with new tools or tasks, one should not use "I don't know how" or "I haven't used it before" as an excuse. Instead, one should take the initiative to learn whatever is necessary. In daily work, this means learning more fundamental principles, not just frameworks. Frameworks are endless, but only things that do not change can adapt to constant change.
Second, one must reach an expert level in their industry. This is difficult for most people, including myself. After all, only a few people can reach the pinnacle of their industry. However, it can be used as a goal to strive for. Continuous improvement every day is the best state.
Third, why is it related to capital? Because deep work is about work ability, and work ability is closely related to earning money. As a common example, it is easier to earn the first one hundred thousand yuan than the second one hundred thousand yuan because having sufficient capital support, along with rational investment and financial management, the returns are enough to cover all daily expenses. Making money with money is the fastest way. When peers are still earning their first pot of gold, you, with sufficient capital, have already surpassed most of your peers. Therefore, capital is also a significant factor.
Except for the third point, which we cannot control, the first two points are the most practical and can be achieved through effort. If you want to acquire a certain skill, deliberate practice can help you achieve your goal. If you haven't acquired a skill, I suggest referring to Daniel's "10,000-Hour Rule for Genius." Skill acquisition is one aspect, and another point mentioned in the book is the transformation of skills. This roughly means applying the skills you have learned. What you are currently learning may not be used in your daily work, but you can try to apply it for your own benefit. Skills do not necessarily have to be used in work.
The cultivation of work ability and the acquisition of skills both require continuous learning and focus. When the brain encounters cognitive challenges, it tends to shift from low-stimulus, high-value activities to high-stimulus, low-value activities, resulting in a continuous decrease in the brain's reception ability. For example, when you decide to do something that requires focus, you are easily influenced by various messages on your phone. If you lack self-discipline, you are likely to pick up your phone and check irrelevant messages. Passive distraction is often more dangerous than active distraction. Active distraction is purposeful and generally involves active thinking, making it easy to return to the original work. Passive distraction is usually attracted by high-stimulus things, leading to the opening of various entertaining software, causing the gradual disappearance of focus.
The type of person you want to become should possess the corresponding abilities. During the process of self-discipline, you should reject low-level, attention-grabbing stimuli such as boring short videos and clickbait articles. The more time these valueless digital entertainment information occupies in the brain, the less ability there is for focused thinking. When faced with challenging tasks, it becomes more difficult to concentrate and solve them. In the end, it is hoped that in future practice, one can plan as best as possible, take control of time, and become the person they want to be.