It’s 10:15 on a Tuesday. You’ve cleared your inbox. You’ve prepared your day. You’re finally jamming along, working toward your deadline. Suddenly, your phone chimes and breaks your concentration. A quick glance at your phone determines you can respond later. You return to your work. But the flow is ruined. What were you doing again? Where were you? What was the thought that was interrupted?
It’s a recognizable scenario, isn’t it? Our digital world is now seamlessly integrated into everything we do, almost forcing us to be constantly connected. That can be great. But it can also be a detriment. Now you have to get your head back in the game and find your flow all over again.
According to a University of California, Irvine study, the average worker is interrupted every 11 minutes and needs 23 minutes to get back on track. It doesn’t take a lot of mathematical insight to realize that equation is to our detriment. Our ability to be constantly connected is coming at the cost of Deep Work.
Deep Work, also referred to as ‘flow state’, is a term describing undistracted concentration on a single task that pushes cognitive abilities to their limit. It is essential for producing high-quality work and solving complex problems, leading to higher output in shorter time frames and enhanced, innovative thinking. Perhaps most importantly, Deep Work is also a necessary component to feeling truly fulfilled in your work, producing a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
As the opening to this article illustrates, our ability to be reached at any time is an enormous hindrance to Deep Work. Turning off notifications, finding a quiet space, and setting boundaries with colleagues and others can really help. To further heighten the effects of deep work, mindfulness techniques can prevent your mind from wandering or engaging in mental distractions.
Time blocking goes hand in hand with minimizing distractions. Block your calendar and, if you can, establish a routine that enables you to get into a flow state quicker. Specific music, a pre-work ritual, or a designated workspace can all help facilitate this.
Deep Work takes a lot out of you mentally. It’s important to rest and recover between sessions to ensure you can enter the flow state again. Short breaks, walks, and a good night’s sleep are all essential.
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Website and app blockers are a great way to keep yourself from clicking links or being distracted by your phone. Free tools like Freedom and Cold Turkey are easy to use and very helpful.
For those in loud environments, apps like Noisli are a great way to tune out without relying on music or podcasts that can easily distract. Headspace is a great way to learn some mindfulness and focusing techniques.
Google Calendar is an easy and free tool to help you schedule your time. If you’re looking for something a bit more in-depth a Kanban-style app like Monday or Trello can be a great way to organize to-do lists with all the details and links you may need to quickly launch yourself into a flow state.
In a world of constant distraction, deep work is a superpower. It’s the key to producing high-quality output, solving complex problems, and finding greater satisfaction in your endeavors. Escape the shallows and reclaim your focus. By implementing these strategies and prioritizing deep work, you can unlock your true potential for productivity, creativity, and fulfillment. Start small, experiment with different techniques, and discover the power of focused attention in your own life.