Embracing Deep Work for Success
Raise your hand if you've ever found yourself binge-writing your to-do list for the day, just to get the satisfaction of checking off each item. It’s a common habit - jotting down everything not only clears our minds but also gives us that instant feeling of gratification.
But, it’s important to identify the tasks that move you forward efficiently and those that merely create the illusion of productivity. Shallow work consists of things that we need to get done, but are often mindless tasks that consume our mental bandwidth.
Benefits of Deep work:
Higher quality of output
Reduced stress and anxiety
Greater resilience to distractions
Improved memory retention and recall
Enhanced ability to learn complex subjects
Increased creativity and innovation
Improved work-life balance
So, how you do set yourself up for success?
Step 1 - Plan
I kick off a brainstorming session at the beginning of the month to map out all the tasks I want to accomplish. Then, on Monday, as I dive into planning the week ahead, I prioritize the top 3 tasks that need my immediate attention.
Each day, I narrow my focus down further by selecting the 3 most crucial items for that day.
For example, let’s say that I want to post a new blog this week. Here’s how the pages of my planner might reflect this.
Step 2 - Block time in your calendar
If you estimate that writing an outline will take you around 3 hours, and you know that you have the most clarity in the morning, add this specific time to your schedule for the day. If any urgent tasks come up, you can always reschedule for later in the day, but do your best to honour the time that you set.
Step 3 - Eliminate distractions
Yes, this means muting notifications, moving your phone to another room and even turning off background noises like Netflix. While you may find music helpful, opt for instrumental playlists such as “Hotel Lounge” or “Lofi Beats” to minimize cognitive load.
Step 4: Get to work
Sure, daydreaming and planning can be fun, but real progress comes from taking action. And the initial step of starting can often be the most challenging. But remember, all the planning won’t help you complete the goals you set unless you put in the effort.
Helpful Tips:
Track Your Time:
Consider time-tracking tools to monitor your progress. I use Toggl. Whether you’re recording billable or non-billable hours, tracking your focused work sessions can provide valuable insights. Reviewing your time log at the end of the week (or even daily) offers a tangible measure of your accomplishments.
While some people thrive using the Pomodoro Technique - 25-minute work intervals followed by a 5-minute break - I find this doesn’t allow you to get deep into your focus mode.
Move your body:
When you decide to take a break, make sure to move your body. Stretch your muscles, take a brief stroll around the neighbourhood and grab a glass of water.
Give yourself Grace:
The thing is things come up, and that's okay. The beauty of this approach is its adaptability to suit your individual preferences. Don’t hesitate to make adjustments. The real power lies in the ability to turn your brainstorming sessions into actionable steps. By doing so, you're able to prioritize and accomplish the tasks that matter with better results.
If you’re interested in learning more about time management and goal planning. I highly recommend two of my favourite books: Deep work and The 12 Week Year.
How I Can Help You:
If you’re a business owner, looking to leverage the skills of a copywriter to streamline your workload and create space for your strategic work, here’s where I what I can help you with:
Managing the creation and fine-tuning of written work,
Creating content plans and strategies, including topic ideation, keyword optimization and publication schedules,
Developing compelling email campaigns and newsletters,
Crafting website content optimized for both search engines and user conversion,
Conducting research on industry trends, competitors and target audience,
Minimizing the need for constant monitoring, revisions and campaign adjustments
