Shallow work is a term coined by Cal Newport in his book "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World." It refers to non-cognitively demanding, logistical-style tasks, often performed while distracted. These tasks are easy to replicate and only create a little new value. Examples of shallow work include: Email and messaging: Constant checking and responding to emails and messages can be a significant source of shallow work. Social Media: Scrolling through social media feeds, liking and commenting on posts, etc. Meetings: Many meetings, particularly poorly planned or poorly run, can devolve into shallow work. Task switching: Constantly switching between tasks can lead to shallow work, as the brain must reorient itself each time, wasting time and energy. Administrative tasks: Filling out forms, scheduling appointments, and other administrative tasks can also be considered shallow work. Shallow work is not inherently wrong; some are necessary for daily life.
In the book “Deep Work,” Cal Newport explains that 21st-century skills are not just about mastering technology but cultivating the ability to focus and think deeply. He argues that in a world where technology is constantly vying for our attention and disrupting our ability to focus, the ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly valuable. Newport argues that the 21st-century skills that will be most valuable in the digital age are the ability to: Focus: The ability to eliminate distractions and stay focused on a task for long periods. The book defines ‘deep work’ as focusing without distractions on a cognitively demanding job. The book argues that deep work is becoming increasingly rare and valuable in today's economy, as more and more jobs require the ability to quickly process and analyze large amounts of information. There are several strategies for developing the ability to do deep work, including: 1. Setting clear goals and priorities: Identifying and focusing