We have a lot of distractions to contend with in modern times. For instance, at work, you sit down to get an important deadline done but you have emails coming in that you keep checking in case they are urgent. Then you have a notification on your phone, so you check that. There are now so many distractions it is a wonder that any work gets done. However, there is an answer, and it is called ‘deep work’. Now let’s look at what deep work is and why you need to do it.
What is Deep Work?
‘Deep work’, a phrase coined by Cal Newport, Associate Professor of computer science at Georgetown University, is the intense concentration required on a task for prolonged periods of time without getting distracted. This level of focus produces your best and most productive work. When you are in deep work, you become oblivious to everything else around you.
The concept of deep work has quickly been adopted as an antidote to the distractions of modern life. In Newport’s book ‘Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World’, he sets out why we need it and how to do it.
What is Shallow Work?
In contrast, ‘shallow work’ means the easy, repetitive admin tasks that can be carried out whilst being distracted and that do not provide any real impact. For example, checking notifications, reading and responding to emails and manual admin tasks such as timesheets.
Carrying out various types of shallow work means you are switching contexts regularly, which reduces your productivity.
What are the benefits of Deep Work?
- Greater satisfaction completing high-skill, worthwhile work
- Getting ‘in the flow’ and in the present moment is deeply calming
- Increase the quality of your work and your productivity
- Gain competition advantage in the workplace by producing higher quality of work, quicker
- Better job satisfaction from regularly achieving difficult tasks
- Improved self-esteem from carrying out meaningful work
Now you know why you should incorporate deep work into your working day, how do you do it?
5 simple steps to start Deep Working:
Step 1
Block out time in your calendar for deep work every day so you get into a rhythm.
Step 2
Start with a small amount of deep work and gradually increase the duration every day to fit your schedule.
Step 3
Decide what you want to achieve in each session with a clear goal.
Step 4
Remove all distractions by muting all communications.
Step 5
Balance out your deep work session with a deep break! Now go for a walk and get that coffee!
Now that you have learnt what deep work is and why you need to do it, will you be making sure you work this way on a regular basis?
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