Deep work is rare
In a world filled with distractions, the ability to focus deeply on a task is becoming increasingly rare and valuable.
If you can develop a laser-like focus on any particular task and complete it in a short amount of time, you gain a valuable edge over the marketplace. So our ability to sustain deep work is the best way to set us apart in our careers.
I don’t think anybody explains this as well, and in as much detail as Cal Newport, in his book ‘Deep Work’. Here are some of the main takeaways from ‘Deep Work’ that I think will have the biggest impact on your work life.
Deep work makes us happier
Beyond helping us to produce high quality work, achieve more in less time, and enhance our learning ability, Cal Newport’s ‘Deep Work’ also suggests some ways that we can increase our enjoyment of life outside of work. For example he suggests implementing a ‘Shutdown Ritual’ at the end of each work day, to create a clear distinction between ‘work mode’ and ‘relaxation mode’. This allows us to spend more time being present with the things and the people we love. Here is a link to a great step-by-step guide for creating a ‘Shutdown Ritual’. https://www.autonomous.ai/ourblog/why-you-need-a-work-shutdown-ritual
Developing the skill of working deeply can also greatly increase the amount of fulfillment we feel at work. This is because when we are able to immerse ourselves in a task without external distractions, we are much more likely to create work that we are proud of and demonstrates our full potential.
If you have ever had a day that was completely taken up by ‘shallow tasks’ you may have felt some guilt and disappointment at the end of it. This comes from the subconscious understanding that your time wasn’t spent doing your best work and moving you towards your goals.
‘Working Deeply’ is a Skill
The ability to focus is a skill that can be developed. You don’t have to be born with an innate ability to focus, like any other skill, Deep work requires deliberate practice. This means setting aside time each day to focus on a single task or project, and gradually working up to longer periods of uninterrupted concentration.
Deep work is not an all-or-nothing proposition. You don’t have to do deep work all the time to benefit from it, in fact, there are a few different strategies of Deep Work that are mentioned in the book, that are designed to meet the demands of different industries and work hours. Here is a breakdown of the 4 different deep work strategies, and how to pick which one is best for you. https://dansilvestre.com/deep-work-strategies/
Distraction is the killer of Deep Work
Distractions like social media notifications, email alerts, and open-office environments can ruin our ability to concentrate, this is because getting into a state of ‘deep work’ or ‘in the flow’ takes time and concentration, yet it takes a a couple of seconds of distraction to snap you out of it. By minimizing distractions, we can create an environment that is more conducive to deep work.
Newport explains that ‘Attention Residue’ is the reason why even a small distraction, like a notification or a quick chat with someone can have such a negative impact on our productivity. Every time we switch to a new task, a small amount of ‘residual attention’ from the previous task sticks with us, making it harder to focus deeply. As we switch tasks more frequently, this residue builds up and makes it increasingly harder to focus with each new task.
To minimise interruptions and increase productivity, make sure to disable notifications, identify a quiet space that will allow you extended periods of uninterrupted work, and create a specific schedule for different deep work tasks with clearly defined blocks of time. By following this approach, you won’t switch tasks in the middle of one because you have determined that another task is more important.
In summary
Deep Work is a valuable skill in modern society that requires deliberate practice. To maximize our ability to sustain deep work, we should strive to minimize distractions, incorporate rest into our routines and create a specific schedule for different deep work tasks. By doing so, we can be more focused and effective in our day-to-day lives, allowing us to spend more time being present with the things and the people we love.
Thank you for reading! I hope you found this useful, and if you would like to know more about ‘Deep Work’, I would highly recommend giving the book a read.