Where I Do Deep Work

Ryan Brooke Payne
Nov 6 · 2 min read
My desk in my bedroom. No smart phones or computers allowed.

I recently read Deep Work by Cal Newport. And it profoundly changed the way I think about getting work done.

I’m a big a fan of “digital minimalism”—using devices as tools and not allowing them to run my life. But Deep Work took it a step further.

The cover photo shows my desk in my bedroom at home. It’s where I read, write songs, take notes, bullet journal, think deeply, etc. My bedroom is a low tech sanctuary where my iPhone and Macbook Pro is not allowed. The only permanent electronic devices are lights, an alarm clock, a noise maker, an AM/FM radio, and an audio recorder for recording song ideas.

My AM/FM radio, alarm clock, and noise maker. Low tech at it’s finest!

I believe in Cal’s work so much that I’m currently leading a book study on Deep Work at my workplace. I’m learning even more and helping others pursue distraction-free concentrated work that delivers new value and is hard to replicate.

A “deep work” session full of reading, writing, thinking, and drinking coffee.