A new strategy to increase productivity, focus, happiness and creativity through a mindful use of digital technology from computer science professor.
Most of us know that addiction to digital tools is costing us both productivity and peace. But giving them up completely isn't realistic. We're addicted to texting, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter not because we're stupid or shallow, but because they provide real value in the form of connection, community, affirmation, and information. Instagram is how you see new photos of your school friend's baby. Texting is how you let your mum know you're safe in a storm. Twitter is how you hear about breaking news in your industry. But these tools can also disrupt our ability to focus on meaningful work and live fully in the present. Must we choose between one or the other?
Newport's answer is no. In Digital Minimalism, he outlines a practical philosophy and plan for a mindful, intentional use of technology that maximises its benefits while minimising its drain on our attention, focus and time. Demonstrating how to implement a 30 day digital detox, this book will help you identify which uses of technology are actually helping you reach your goals, and which are holding back.
If you care about improving your effectiveness but don't want to become a Luddite or a social dropout this book can lead you to increased control over your time, attention, and energy and ultimately, a richer life. Read Digital Minimalism and you'll never again mindlessly sacrifice your productivity to clickbait or lose 40 minutes of your evening to your Instagram feed.
About the Author
Cal Newport is a tenured professor of computer science at Georgetown University. In addition to his academic work, Newport writes about the intersection of these technologies with our personal and professional lives. He is the author of five books, including So Good They Can't Ignore You and the bestselling Deep Work- Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Newport's ideas have been published in top print publications, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, the Financial Times and the Guardian , but as a dedicated digital minimalist, Newport has never had a social media account. Newport lives in Maryland with his wife and two sons.
Industry Reviews
A compelling case for cultivating intense focus, and offers immediately actionable steps for infusing more of it into our lives * Adam Grant, author of Originals on Deep Work *
A wonderfully entangled, intertwined, and erudite series of strategies, philosophies, disciplines, and techniques to sharpen your focus and dive deep into your work * 800-CEO-READ on Deep Work *
As a presence on the page, Newport is exceptional in the realm of self-help authors * New York Times Book Review *
Cal Newport speaks human truth to digital power. He calls out our enslavement to modern devices and calmly presents a better way to live and work -- Julia Hobsbawm * author of Fully Connected *
This book is an urgent call to action for anyone serious about being in command of their own life -- Ryan Holiday * author of The Obstacle is the Way *
Cal Newport has discovered a cure for the techno-exhaustion that plagues our always-on, digitally caffeinated culture -- Joshua Fields Millburn * The Minimalists *
Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism is the best book I've read in some time about our fraught relationship with technology. If you're looking for a blueprint to guide you as you liberate yourself from the shackles of email, social networks, smartphones, and screens, let this book be your guide -- Adam Alter * author of Irresistible *
You're not the user, you're the product. Hang up, log off, and tune in to a different way to be in the world. Bravo, Cal, smart advice for good people -- Seth Godin * author of This is Marketing *
I hope that everyone who owns a mobile phone and has been wondering where their time goes gets a chance to absorb the ideas in this book. It's amazing how the same strategy can work for both financial success and mental well-being: Put more energy into what makes you happy, and ruthlessly strip away the things that don't -- Pete Adeney * aka Mr. Money Mustache *
I challenge you not to devour this wonderful book in one sitting. I certainly did and I started applying Cal's ideas to my own life immediately -- Greg McKeown * author of Essentialism *
Cal Newport's book is a refreshing antidote to the poisonous cycle of what's new? - what's new? that this digital, hyperconnected decade has seduced us into. Building on the economics of Henry David Thoreau, Cal's call for calmer waters, for meaningful and engaged interactions, is just what the world needs right now -- Daniel J. Levitin * author of The Organised Mind *
Digital Minimalism is the Marie Kondo of mobile phones * Evening Standard *
Willpower, tips, and vague resolutions are not sufficient by themselves to tame the ability of new technologies to invade your cognitive landscape * The New Yorker *
What a timely and useful book! It's neither hysterical nor complacent - a workable guide to being thoughtful about digital media. It's already made me rethink some of my media use in a considered way * Naomi Alderman, author of The Power *
