172 Quotes by Cal Newport

Your will, in other words, is not a manifestation of your character that you can deploy without limit; it’s instead like a muscle that tires.

The Deep Work Hypothesis: The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. As a consequence, the few who cultivate this skill, and then make it the core of their working life, will thrive.

If you’re not uncomfortable, then you’re probably stuck at an “acceptable level.

To remain valuable in our economy, therefore, you must master the art of quickly learning complicated things.

Deep work is so important that we might consider it, to use the phrasing of business writer Eric Barker, “the superpower of the 21st century.

Without this patient willingness to reject shiny new pursuits, you’ll derail your efforts before you acquire the capital you need.

The passion hypothesis is not just wrong, it’s also dangerous. Telling someone to “follow their passion” is not just an act of innocent optimism, but potentially the foundation for a career riddled with confusion and angst.

If you go after more control in your working life without a rare and valuable skill to offer in return, you’re likely pursuing a mirage.

This focus on stretching your ability and receiving immediate feedback provides the core of a more universal principle – one that I increasingly came to believe provides the key to successfully acquiring career capital in almost any field.