Deepwork: what it is, how to get it

Deep work is a technique proposed by professor and author Cal Newport that focuses on spending extended periods of time exclusively on a specific task, without outside distractions. According to Newport, the ability to concentrate is a valuable skill that can be trained and improved with practice. In his book “Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World,” Newport argues that deep work is the key to success in an increasingly competitive world.

This technique has been supported by several studies that show that “deep work” can improve productivity and the quality of work. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that workers who use deep work are more productive and efficient than those who don’t. Likewise, another study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that deep work can improve memory and learning ability.

To implement the “deep work” technique in working life, it is important to follow certain recommendations. First of all, it is necessary to define clear and specific objectives for each task to be carried out. This way, it’s easier to set a schedule for deep work and focus on completing the task without distractions.

Another important recommendation is to limit external distractions. This can be accomplished by closing doors and windows, using noise canceling headphones, and turning off notifications on your phone and computer. Also, it is advisable to establish a regular schedule for deep work, and to do it consistently every day, to create a habit.

In this sense, there are specific places that encourage deep work, such as coworking spaces. These places are ideal for deep work because they offer an environment conducive to concentration and productive work. An example of these places is Betahaus, a coworking space that offers services such as shared work areas, meeting rooms, and networking events.

Betahaus is a community of entrepreneurs, startups and independent professionals who share a passion for productive and quality work. At Betahaus, there is a network of valuable contacts for professional and business growth, as well as events and activities for the development of skills and the exchange of knowledge.

In addition to the recommendations above, there are several strategies to improve your ability to concentrate and focus. One of them is meditation, which has been shown to be an effective practice to improve concentration and reduce stress. Another strategy is regular exercise, which not only improves physical health, but also cognitive health and the ability to concentrate.

Examples of jobs that can benefit from “deep work”:

Deep work can benefit any type of job that requires concentration and focus, such as writing, programming, research, reading, graphic design, and more. It is especially beneficial for jobs that involve complex problem solving, important decision making, and creativity.

For example, a writer might use deep work to write a book or novel without distractions, while a programmer might use it to solve a complex programming problem. A graphic designer can use deep work to create innovative and creative design, while a researcher can use it to analyze and synthesize complex information.

Tips for staying motivated during long periods of deep work:

Staying motivated during long periods of deep work can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. One of them is to set achievable goals and celebrate every achievement, however small. It’s also important to rest and take regular short breaks to keep cool and avoid exhaustion.

Another strategy is to find a source of personal motivation, whether through music, meditation, goal visualization, or any other technique that helps maintain motivation and focus during long periods of work.

How to handle unexpected interruptions during deep work:

Unexpected interruptions are one of the biggest threats to deep work. To manage them, it’s important to set clear limits and communicate them to people who might interrupt your work. This may include locking the office door, putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign, or setting up a time to take calls and emails.

It’s also important to have a contingency plan in case of unexpected outages, such as having a quiet, secluded place to work temporarily, or having a list of lower-priority tasks that can be tackled during the outage.

Success stories of people or companies that have implemented “deep work” in their daily routine:

Some people and companies have successfully implemented deep work into their daily routine. For example, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was known for his ability to focus and concentrate, and is said to have often put in long hours working on a single project without outside distractions.

Another example is writer-producer J.K. Rowling, who wrote most of the Harry Potter books in coffee shops and other public places, where she could work without distraction.

Useful tools and apps for deep work:

There are several useful tools and apps for deep work, such as website blocking extensions, which can temporarily block distracting websites during periods of deep work. Some of these extensions include StayFocusd and Freedom.

There are also time management apps, like Trello and Asana, that can help you organize tasks and keep a schedule.

In conclusion, “deep work” is an effective technique to improve concentration and quality of work in the world. To implement it, it is important to define clear and specific objectives, limit external distractions, establish a regular and consistent schedule for deep work, and look for specific places that encourage concentration and productivity, such as coworking spaces. In addition, there are several strategies to improve the ability to concentrate and focus, such as meditation and regular exercise. By training and improving our ability to concentrate, we can increase our productivity and achieve success in an increasingly competitive world full of distractions.

References:

1. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” by Cal Newport. https://www.calnewport.com/books/deep-work/

2. 7 Ways to Improve Your Concentration” by Psychology Today. https://www. psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-babble/201301/7-ways-improve-your-concentration

3. Freedom – Block Distracting Websites and Apps”. https://freedom.to/