Deep Work + Distractions
As we get into the swing of the new year, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and excited by all the projects and goals that come with a fresh start. If you find yourself bogged down in meetings talking about new ideas, but with very little time to actually execute them, you may want to reexamine your relationship to deep work and distractions.
“Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.”
At Breakaway, we’re working to build a culture of excitement, joy, and collaboration, AND we often need to spend time alone: doing client work or spending time on larger projects. In order to achieve balance, we utilize deep work and minimize distractions:
Ruthlessly define your priorities - what gets you closer to the big goals? If a task doesn’t move the needle forward, don’t let it interrupt your day. Whether your goal is to hit a certain revenue goal or finish a big client deliverable, anything that doesn’t move you toward that goal must be stricken from your list.
Plan ahead, schedule time, and honor appointments with yourself. If you wouldn’t cancel on a client, don’t cancel on yourself. Block off time in your calendar and don’t let anything come between you and what you plan to work on.
Create clear expectations for others. It’s easy to think everything is an emergency at work and that the speed at which we answer emails, respond to messages, and put out fires directly correlates with our value (i.e. faster = better). Instead of trying to win the non-existent race, let your clients and co-workers know how long it takes to complete certain tasks, when to expect a response, and what your office hours are.
Set realistic micro-goals for yourself. Trying to do everything at once usually results in nothing getting done and that nasty feeling in the pit of your stomach that you didn’t actually “do” anything, but had a very busy day. Set 1-3 “must do’s” every day and bask in the glow of success when you complete them all.
Silence your notifications. Unless you’re a doctor, work emergencies are few and far between. Silence your Slack, email, phone, Asana, etc. when you’re trying to get work done. Whatever anyone needs can wait.
Shea Keats
Director / Breakaway Creative
Do you practice deep work? Share your best practices with us on LinkedIn.