In the modern world that increasingly values the multitasker, “Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” challenges widely accepted ideas about productivity. Author Cal Newport, a Georgetown University professor by day, outlines the specific steps for readers to take to be more productive rather than just look busy. With more employers looking closer at their employees’ work, you can use this guide to stay ahead of the competition and keep your job. You may even use this edge up to secure your next promotion or career move.

According to the philosophy described in the book, intense concentration is a skill rather than a trait. Newport argues that anyone can train to be more focused and engage in what he calls “deep work.” This highly concentrated level of work, explains Newport, comes from setting boundaries and establishing targeted routines throughout the workday. Avoiding distraction from social media, emails, and coworkers is only part of the equation. The book also encourages you to seek out the hard tasks first and always end your day at the same time if possible. You will learn how to dedicate blocks of time to your most important projects so that you can keep all your focus on them.

Newport acknowledges that it can be difficult to change your work habits. However, you can feel much more successful if you set clear goals for yourself and commit to doing what it takes to reach them each day. You can discover from the stories in this book how to use technology to improve your productivity and then shut it down before it slows you down. These ideas apply to any profession in which distraction affects the bottom line. Whether you run a corporation or a home business, the advice in this book can get you results.