Deep focus, deep work
We, developers, are knowledge workers. As such, we need periods of deep work.
In this article, I want to focus on this question: how can we create the right conditions for deep work?
A lot has already been said about it. But teaching is a matter of repetition. So… let’s repeat ;-)
What is deep work?
“Deep work” was coined by professor Cal Newport, a computer science professor.
He opposes it to superficial work, which is not cognitively demanding, and is often done while being distracted. Like checking emails every two minutes. This type of work does not create much value.
Deep work refers to:
- a single task;
- without distractions;
- in a state of intense concentration;
- for long periods of time.
Let’s develop these points, not necessarily in order.
Give yourself time
Not everyone has the same pace or ability to stay focused for long periods of time.
One thing is sure though: a work session should last long enough for you to focus. You should be able to continue to work uninterrupted long enough to take advantage of that focus.
So set (block in your agenda!) an appropriate time for that work session. Try an hour and a half or two hours to start. As you go along, you will see if it’s enough time or not. You can then adjust it.
This may require blocking off slots in your schedule by turning down appointments during that time.
You can’t reach a state of deep focus by switching tasks every 30 minutes.
You can reach an optimal level of concentration if you overcome resistance and focus on a specific task for a long period of time.
Did I say “a specific task”? Perfect transition.
What are you focusing on today? Scattering your efforts is your enemy
It’s better to know where you want to go, if you want to get there.
Studies have proven that multitasking (or more specifically, alternating tasks) makes people less productive.
It’s best not to spread yourself too thin during your work sessions.
Before you start your work session, decide which specific task you’re going to focus on.
For example: getting a POC up and running locally. Or finish developing the feature and creating the associated PR.
Force yourself to stay focused on this single task until it’s done, instead of procrastinating by switching to another task that has nothing to do with it. Be careful, there are always going to be distractions.
Stay focused: distractions are your enemy too
We are often reminded that interruptions are a problem. However, this term may suggest interruptions are caused by external sources.
The word “distraction” has the advantage of reminding you of your responsibility: if you interrupt your work to check slack, that’s your choice.
If you want to start a work session with peace of mind, remove as many distractions as possible.
Think about visual distractions, both on your screen (useless tabs…) and in your room (if you work from home, avoid having a post-it note with the shopping list right in front of you).
And turn off notifications.
On your computer.
And on your phone.
Be focused
Actually, there’s nothing more to say on this subject.
If you go into a work session prepared to avoid distractions, with a clear task in mind and enough time to complete it, you should naturally get into a state of deep focus as you work.
One last thing: when you take a break, take a break
You need downtime, whether it’s between work sessions or between work days.
Downtime helps you understand.
Downtime helps to recharge your mind for deep work.
Letting your brain rest regularly improves the quality of your deep work.
What’s the difference between a good break and a bad break?
A true break is a period where you don’t do superficial work or continue to use your directed attention.
A good break means letting your mind wander and daydream. It also means letting your thoughts and feelings drift.
A bad break would be: reading a text, going on social media, talking about work with colleagues, reading your emails, checking your messages.
These “breaks” don’t allow you to recover fully because they don’t allow your mind to wander.
A good break to replenish your resources would be:
- looking out the window;
- listening to music;
- changing environment;
- going for a walk;
- playing a game with your children.
That’s all for today
I hope I taught you some good practices for your work sessions.
Which ones do you already follow? Can you work for long periods of time and concentrate completely on a single task, without any distractions?
Share your experience and methods with us.
Sources
Newport, Cal, Deep Work — Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Book Group, 2016
Cuny, Caroline, “Comment booster sa concentration au travail ?”, Grenoble Ecole de Management, September 2017, https://www.grenoble-em.com/actualite-comment-booster-sa-concentration-au-travail (accessed 12 September 2022).
SMITH, D., “Multitasking undermines our efficiency, study suggests”, American Psychological Association, October 2001, https://www.apa.org/monitor/oct01/multitask (accessed 12 September 2022).
