In the book Deep Work, Cal Newport asserts that we have lost our ability to focus deeply and immerse ourselves in difficult work, and it demonstrates how to reclaim this ability and focus more than ever before using four simple guidelines. He explains that the ability to thoroughly immerse oneself in a difficult endeavor is a unique, significant, and meaningful skill. The book's second section then lays forth four criteria for developing a strong work ethic.
Make a conscious effort to use one of these four deep work tactics:
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The monastic approach- The word monastic derives from the word monastery, which refers to a place where monks live. It entails fully closing yourself off, such as moving to a cottage in the woods to write a novel and not returning until it's finished.
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The bimodal approach- This places a premium on in-depth effort over anything else. You could, for example, lock yourself in your office for a 4-6 hour block each day for intensive work, akin to the monastic technique. However, after that block is completed, you are free to complete whatever else is on your to-do list.
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The rhythmic approach-This method divides your work into time blocks, similar to the Pomodoro technique, and keeps track of your progress using a calendar. For example, you might organize your week ahead of time and schedule 10 90-minute blocks on your calendar, and then make it a habit to work with timed blocks.
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The journalistic approach- This is useful if you have a hectic daily schedule. You simply devote any spare time to deep work.
Make the most of your downtime by meditating productively. This is a great idea that I've been using more and more recently without realizing it was in this book. Newport refers to it as productive meditation, and it entails devoting “unproductive” time to profound thought. For example, if you take the subway to work every morning and know you'll have 30 minutes between stops where you won't be able to do much else, use that time to try to solve a hard problem in your head. Commutes, showers, household duties, grocery shopping, and going for a stroll (with or without your dog) are all excellent times to ponder. When you have some free time to accomplish menial duties, latch on to a huge problem, attempt to see its sub-problems, break it down, and solve it.
Make a habit of leaving work at the same time every day. Newport has a tendency of working till 5:30 p.m. every day. After that, there were no emails, no internet, no to-do lists, and no computer. Newport discusses his approach, and while his procedures have evolved over time, organizing both work and free time has remained a continuous feature. Your brain needs some time to unwind each night, which it won't receive if you work as much as possible. Limit yourself by quitting work and not checking email, or better yet, turning off your computer, at the same time every day. This way, you'll have a set amount of free time each day to rest and recover. Your mind will continue to operate beneath the surface, but you will not become exhausted from working around the clock.