How do you integrate deep work with other aspects of your professional and personal life?

Deep Work is both mentally and physically exhausting. It's like concentrating on one activity at the gym, without interruptions. So planning buffer time is a signal that you can't possibly work at such a pace forever. It's a form of recharge.

In today's world when every app on your phone is demanding attention, It's absolutely critical to be able to deep work without affecting your throughput. I have been able to improve my productivity by setting up a "Focus Time" in the mid of my work day. It's the time when I have already addressed any pending items for myself or my team from the day before and the team is occupied on their respective tasks. With trial and error, I identified mid-day is my physiological and mental peak, by blocking my calendar and a customised work mode on my phone to have least possible notifications during work hours. I learned I can get more done in less time. My buffer time is unplanned to address things as needed, between deep work and other tasks.

I think there's a definite advantage in planning when not to do deep work. Or even planning when you will allow yourself to be distracted. But I think some of the buffer time should not be about admin, etc. Why not build in buffer time for a walk in the park?

I think measuring and/or setting goals for quality is more important than purely focusing on productivity and getting things done. I also (personal opinion) think that music can be a distraction, not a way to avoid it.

I think a certain amount of courage is needed to prevent changing circumstances upsetting the principle of deep work. Yes, there are unforeseen circumstances. But many are not as unforeseen as they first appear. You sometimes have to say 'No!'.

My personal view - and one shared by my colleagues - is that deep work is best adopted as a main operating principle, not an occasional thing. We group work into two: deep or shallow. This eliminates much of the discussion about productivity and so on. There are only two types of project to us. Simple as that (except it is hard to do, of course).

Many people have difficulty transitioning from what they are currently focusing on and then quickly focusing on the next. Studies have shown that up to 25% of the work day may be spent in transitions. Transitions are difficult because: -there is a strong need for predictability -there may be a lack of understanding what activity comes next -the flow may be disrupted -a change in environment and interactions may be disconcerting -multi-step directions for the next activity may not be understood -the new responsibility is more demanding or not liked – there is difficulty sequencing information and developing new work relationships. Solution: Transition guidelines need to be implemented and practiced.

I learned what "Deep Work" means from this article. For me, it's "Focus Time". Buffer Time, for me, is Me Time. I agree with the ebb and flow, going into deep work and coming up for air. We all have or acquire a rhythm that works for us. Top of the morning is my shallow work time; scanning email, review notes, and prep for my next. Sometimes, I walk, read, exercise, or meditate. Working from home provides the flexibility to do so. I also agree that the best laid plans sometimes go awry, and you have to give that 13-hour day or two or three. Knowing that it won't last long, this is another opportunity to make a difference, this is my time to do what I do, I get it done. I have my rhythm. It's working for me.