In an increasingly digital world, we are constantly surrounded by a million tasks that demand our time. Deep work helps you navigate attention traps, focus on important work, and improve productivity. Want to learn more about deep work? Read on!
What is deep work?
Coined by Professor Cal Newport, deep work refers to “Professional activity performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit.”
In contrast, shallow works refers to “Non-cognitively demanding, logistical-style tasks, often performed while distracted.”
Benefits of deep work
Being able to concentrate intently in a distraction-free environment brings many advantages. As you focus on a specific task for a long period of time, you improve the quality of your work and create greater value. This will not only boost your self-confidence, but also make you a better worker. By directing your energy toward your most important task at hand, deep work helps you to achieve your goals faster, improve your skills, and better manage your valuable time.
How do I practice deep work?
Deep work may be a challenge in the present day and age, but with more practise, you will gradually form your preferred form of deep work.
Professor Newport outlines four types of deep work scheduling:
The monastic philosophy: Focus all of your time on deep work and eliminate shallow tasks
The bimodal philosophy: Divide your time so that certain periods (e.g. weeks, months, even years) are devoted to deep work while others are left free for lighter activities
The rhythmic philosophy: Make deep work a regular habit by practising it frequently (e.g. splitting your day into sections of deep and shallow work)
The journalistic philosophy: Practice deep work sporadically, whenever it fits into your schedule
These methods all have their advantages and disadvantages, and some might be more suitable than others for your routine. It’s important to experiment a little and select the one that suits your lifestyle best. Remember to also enjoy your downtime and to obstruct work-related thoughts or activities during these periods, as it helps you to relax your mind and focus better when you get back into it.
Ultimately, deep work is a practical tool that helps us prioritise our time and improve our productivity. In a fast-paced world where the ability to focus on one single task becomes harder to come by, being able to perform deep work can have potential to make you a more successful and employable individual.
