Deep Work (Part 1)

In previous eras, when we spoke about time management and productivity, the conversation revolved around how we could get more done. Now, we are turning that discussion on its head, and I am advocating that you do less, by being intentional about the work you do. 

Deep Work versus White Work

A powerful tactic to help you excel in this area is referred to as ‘Deep Work’. This term was coined by Author and Professor Cal Newport, and refers to the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It’s about working with intensity and without interruption to achieve a state of flow, which allows you to deliver high-quality work and achieve your most meaningful goals. 

A major obstacle to creating the time, space and energy for Deep Work is known as ‘White Work’.

White Work is the routine, low-cognitive-demand tasks that often fill our workdays. These tasks may include administrative work, responding to emails, attending meetings and handling day-to-day responsibilities that don’t require deep concentration.

Creating space for Deep Work

You may recognise that during self-reflection, you identified that the majority of your time and energy is directed towards White Work. I remember when I first recognised this, and once I changed course and started making a very intentional shift towards creating the time, space and energy for Deep Work, my impact – and therefore my performance – was elevated. 

Did you intentionally create space for Deep Work today? If not, I beg you to start practising straight away. I cannot overstate the positive impact this has had on me and many of my clients. It’s easy to get going; simply start with one hour per week, ideally increasing that to two two-hour sessions a week over time. 

Remember, this is not added time on the clock. By being more intentional with your time, you should be able to find an hour during your working day by eliminating less impactful work that you identified you are doing today.

The essentials of Deep Work

To help you get off the ground, here are the essentials of Deep Work:

• Dedicated Time Block – Allocate a specific time for Deep Work. This time should be free from meetings, calls and checking your emails.
• Minimise Distractions – For me this looks like shutting down my email, not having my phone visible and finding a quiet space.
• Set Boundaries – This could be letting your team know that you are leaving your desk to work on a particular activity and that you are not available until your return. Remind yourself that if you were in a meeting, or away from your desk for another reason, there would be no issues with this.
• Work Quality Over Quantity – The focus is on the quality and intensity of work, rather than the quantity.
• Energy – Where White Work requires very little cognitive energy, Deep Work requires your cognitive energy to be at its peak in order to achieve best results. Therefore it’s important to schedule Deep Work for the time of day when you know you tend to have your highest level of energy. For many women I work with, this is some time in the morning.
• Set Clear Goals – Knowing exactly what you need to achieve, prior to starting your deep work session, helps you start immediately and maintain focus and direction. Don’t waste this valuable time by using the first 30 minutes to figure out what you need to work on.
• Practise – If this is a new habit for you, it will take some time to practise, like any other skill.
• Reflect and Assess – Regularly review what is working for you, and what adaptions you might need to make. Ask yourself if the time of day is right; is that when your energy is at its best? Is there another location that might be more suitable? Did distractions hinder you? If so, what could you do differently?

Over the coming week, make it your mission to keep – or to begin – practising Deep Work. Feel free to message me if you’d like to share your thoughts on productivity, or to let me know of any particular challenges you might be facing, and I will try to incorporate solutions in the upcoming blogs. 

Elevating your performance, and therefore opening up new opportunities, are some of the topics we cover in the ‘The Career Activist Academy’.  If you want to be first to know when the academy is open for new participants add your name to the insiders list here.