In the book "Deep Work," it is mentioned that with the proliferation of multimedia information, people's ability to engage in deep work is gradually decreasing. 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, which can be considered in conjunction with practical situations:
- Those who can use intelligent machines to do work beautifully and creatively.
- Those who are the best in their industry.
- Those who possess capital.
First, one must have the ability to quickly grasp complex tools, which means having a fast learning ability. When faced with new tools or tasks, one cannot use "I don't know how" or "I haven't used it before" as an excuse. Instead, one must take the initiative to learn whatever is necessary. In daily work, this means learning more about principles, not just frameworks. Frameworks are endless, but 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 the first one has the support of sufficient capital. 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 of Genius." Skill acquisition is one aspect, and another point mentioned in the book is the conversion of skills. This roughly means applying the skills you have learned. What you currently learn 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 development 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, on the other hand, is usually attracted by high-stimulus things, leading to the opening of various entertaining software, causing focus to slowly disappear.
The type of person you want to become should possess the corresponding abilities. In the process of self-discipline, you should reject the low-level, eye-catching stimuli, such as various boring short videos and clickbait articles. The longer these valueless digital entertainment information occupies your brain's time, the less ability you have to focus and think when faced with challenging tasks. Finally, I hope to plan as best as possible and take control of time in future practice, becoming the person you want to be.