Have you ever tried Deep Work?

Today, our concentration is constantly challenged. We are regularly solicited by our calls, emails, social networks... But how to be able to concentrate properly and thus provide quality work? Engibex has chosen to talk to you about Deep Work, an absolutely revolutionary method theorized by Cal Newport.

What is Deep Work?

Cal Newport is an American author and professor of computer science at Georgetown University. In his book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World published in 2016, he develops the concept of Deep Work. 

Deep work is the complete opposite of shallow work, which is characterized by less cognitively demanding tasks that are mostly performed while distracted. It allows you to disconnect and be much more creative.

How to work in Deep Work?

?? In the quiet

Defining a place to work is very important to start. It's obviously important to be in an environment that suits the task you are working on. Some people will need a room that is soundproof and free of distractions.

?? Divide your work

As you know, working for hours and hours on the same project doesn't necessarily mean you'll be efficient. According to Cal Newport, it's better to work for less time but with more focus than to work longer but with constant distraction. By being distracted, you tire your mental muscles much more quickly. 

• ??Note: the Deep Work method also requires you to eliminate trivial tasks. Like a monk, you must be able to concentrate on the most important and urgent things.

??A ritual

We advise you to set yourself periods of work in pure concentration and others that require a little less concentration. It all depends on the tasks of the day and some of them require pure concentration and therefore work following the Deep Work method.

Little by little, the routine will be established and you will find it easier and easier to work with concentration. The trick is to find a ritual that suits you and your needs. Deep work will then become a habit.

• ??Extra tip: avoid checking email early in the morning. After taking a shower and drinking a cup of coffee, your brain is at its sharpest, so you should use this valuable state only for tasks that absolutely require it. The task of responding to an email is not the most mentally taxing, with a few exceptions, so save it for later.

?? Fixed rules

Then, it can be interesting to give yourself rules. For example, you can force yourself to turn off your phone or to deactivate notifications. As you know, social networks are a real scourge to concentration. 

The journalistic philosophy

If this method is one of the most difficult to apply, it is according to Cal Newport, the most effective. The journalistic philosophy is to work in a very focused way and stop on demand.

Indeed, journalists must go into Deep Work mode in a few moments to write articles. It's a hard habit to get into, but one that is mandatory in this fast-paced profession.

You can do it! 

It is true that Deep Work method may seem complicated at first and it must be admitted that it can be for some. We live today in a society where we are submerged by all kinds of notifications and it is difficult to separate ourselves from them. This method of concentration has direct effects on your productivity which are not negligible and that is why we present it to you.

At ENGIBEX, we are convinced that you can do it! Good luck to all and above all, good work??