Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks. The term was popularised by author and computer science professor Cal Newport in his book Deep Work.
He argues that deep work is one of the most valuable skills in the modern world because it allows you to produce high-quality results and learn complicated things faster.
Deep work helps you:
Produce high-quality work and make meaningful progress on complex tasks (flown.com)
Avoid the mental drain caused by constant context switching
Strengthen your ability to focus over time
Shallow work, by contrast, is fragmented and less cognitively demanding. It includes things like replying to emails or scrolling through updates. Deep work is where your most impactful work happens.
Deep work at FLOWN
At FLOWN, we design sessions to make deep work easy. Our focus sessions typically run for one to two hours, with around 50 minutes of work followed by a short five-minute break.
Whether you are working on writing, problem-solving, studying or creative projects, FLOWN gives you a structured space and supportive community to do your most important work.
How to get started
Choose a single meaningful task to work on
Remove distractions and set yourself up for focus
Join a Focus Session (Power Hour or Deep Dive) to work alongside others
Take short breaks between sessions to reset and maintain energy
Learn more
You can dive deeper by reading FLOWN’s easy-to-digest guide to deep work or exploring Cal Newport’s book Deep Work for the full theory and strategies.