Deep Work

One of my favorite strategies to improve the quality and quantity of your output is called Deep Work, which was explained in great detail in the book by Cal Newport.

"Deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. As a consequence, the few who cultivate this skill, and then make it the core of their working life, will thrive." - Cal Newport, Deep Work. 

In today's world, we are bombarded with distractions, from all possible imaginable notifications to quick glances on social media, emails, and so on. These activities might seem harmless, as they only take a couple of seconds (if you are not captured by the almighty algorithm).

The truth is that context-switching has been scientifically proven to be taxing on productivity because it requires mental adaptation to the new task. This can lead to what is known as "switching costs," where the time and mental effort required to switch tasks add up and reduce the brain and energy needed to achieve overall productivity. 

Shallow work: non-cognitively demanding, logistical-style tasks, often performed while distracted. This fragmented state of attention is easy to replicate and, therefore, low value.

When you focus on a single task for an extended period, you experience flow, and you are in the so-called “zone”. You produce the absolute best work you are capable of. It also allows you to master new skills faster and absorb information more effectively. 

Deep Work: Professional activities performed in a distraction-free concentration that pushes your cognitive capacities to their limit. These efforts create new value, improve your skills, and are hard to replicate.

 The main obstacle to going deep is the urge to turn your attention toward something more superficial and easier like a quick email glance, scrolling on social media, …

Just like training a muscle, training your mind happens at the edge of discomfort, so give yourself time to build up the length of your session. Three to four hours a day, five days a week, of uninterrupted and carefully directed concentration can produce valuable output while leaving room to recharge. Value can only be created in the deep state.

You either go deep a couple of hours a day or be shallow the whole day.  

 _{Steps to perform Deep Work:}

1. Create a distraction-free environment
Find a quiet workspace, turn off notifications, and avoid any other distractions that may interfere with deep work. This means turning off your phone, closing your email inbox, and removing any other potential distractions from your environment, like having to go to the bathroom, so do that before you start a session.

2. Schedule deep work sessions
Rather than trying to fit deep work into a busy schedule, schedule dedicated blocks of time for deep work. This helps ensure that deep work is given the time and attention it deserves.

3. Set your timer
A deep work session is usually 90 minutes long. This might not sound like a lot, but I urge you to focus on one task for that entire period without checking your phone or emails… You will BLOWN AWAY by how long it feels and how much you get done.

4. Set clear goals
Set clear goals and objectives for what you want to accomplish and attach some rewards to achieving these goals during your deep work sessions.

 These rewards can be simple things you enjoy, like going to the gym, taking a walk, or allowing you to watch your series or sports event you might have scheduled for the evening.  You can take it to the next level by making the basic things conditional, like drinking water and allowing yourself to have a meal or go to sleep. This will cause you to feel more motivated to get it done, and when you achieve the goal and enjoy the reward, you will enjoy it so much more. Even if they are basic things you usually wouldn’t even think about.

Imagine the perfect version of yourself and what he would do in your session. This is the goal that can create a sense of healthy competition that will drive you to achieve more than you thought possible. You will continue to improve and grow by trying to beat your best. 

5. Pump yourself up
A strategic coffee or some instrumental music in the background, when used strategically, can help to increase focus and mental energy. Treat this like the mental workout it is.

This is elite-level mental performance! Give yourself time to work up to a 90-minute-deep work session. When you are capable of this, you can outwork almost anybody in this distraction-riddled modern world.

I wish you the best of luck in your Deep Work practice and that you may find real satisfaction by getting things done rather than the cheap dopamine hits of checking social media and the comedown that procrastination eventually brings. I hope this increased productivity frees up time to enjoy with your loved ones and activities that fill you up with you.

Philippe