After we talked about deep work last month, I received feedback that it doesn’t work for everyone. Deep work proposes you schedule 60-90 minute blocks of uninterrupted time to concentrate on moving one project forward. In a perfect world, this is a daily habit. Since that is not the reality you and I live in, let’s explore an alternative.
Problem
For example, let’s say that in January you planned to use the deep work method to reach your goal of completing a certification by the end of December. Here in October, that plan has not worked out. Reflecting on your progress, you realize setting aside a one-hour uninterrupted block of time every day is not possible given your responsibilities and working conditions. You decide to extend your timeline to complete the certification in 2025. What adjustments do you need to make in the systems you’re using to complete your course?
Solution
In other words, since what you did has not achieved the result you want, what needs to change? Use SMART goals to provide direction and motivation, then establish support systems to maintain progress. For example: Do you need to get up an hour earlier to study? Do you need to set your materials in front of your door so you will trip over them? Do you need to put a post-it note on your laptop so it’s the first thing you do? Do you need to set a timer on your smartphone to prevent unlimited death scrolling? Do you need to silence it and put it in a drawer in another room?
Result
- Continuous learning is crucial for staying ahead. Professional development that benefits the organization who employs you counts as work. If the organization you work for does not see it that way, then you have some serious thinking to do about your future with them. You should be able to schedule part of your workday or work week to increase your knowledge.
- Set aside time for upskilling whether you are going for an official certification or not. Reading industry news, attending webinars, and taking online courses all count toward incorporating learning into your routine. They not only keep your skills up to date but also provide a break in your normal routine.
- You may be surprised how making personal development a habit reduces your stress. It is counterintuitive, but spending your energy on learning can save you energy in the long run because it leads to innovative solutions and more efficient ways to manage tasks.
- The trick is to break up the previously mentioned 60 – 90 minute blocks of focus time into bursts of 20 – 30 minutes and disperse them throughout your day. For example, you look at your schedule for tomorrow and see that you have four hours worth of meetings. Block 30 minutes prior, 30 minutes between, and 30 minutes after for yourself. Use the time to work on your upskilling.
You can apply this method to most complicated and time-consuming projects like writing an annual report, developing an app, creating a business plan, prototyping a new product or service, etc. This is basically breaking down big projects into tasks and assigning those tasks to your scheduled microbursts of time.
Which works better for you: deep work or short bursts of work? Please share your tips in the comments.