WHAT IS DEEP WORK AND HOW TO ACHIEVE IT?

In the last 5 years, the concept of Deep Work has become popular and is recognized as a crucial skill in today's world. Deep Work is essential in an era dominated by mobile devices and media platforms that manipulate behavior and increase distractions.

Deep Work is a type of intense concentration that lasts for at least 60 minutes, where focus is elevated to the highest level. The result is superior quality work and the ability to learn new skills far beyond normal levels.

Deep Work, a term coined by Cal Newport in his book "Deep Work," describes the ability to concentrate deeply and work intensely without being distracted by external factors such as the internet or smartphones.

Deep Work is not a new concept. Historically, meditation, mindfulness, various forms of religious practices, learning, and high-level physical training are the oldest forms of Deep Work.

I can assert that individuals who meditate and practice daily for at least 30 minutes will find it easier to integrate Deep Work into their lives and work. Conversely, Deep Work can also make those new to meditation practice more focused and effective.

Deep Work is often confused with or considered similar to the state of Flow, where a person becomes so engrossed in an activity that they lose track of time and space. In this state, people feel happy, joyful, and almost enlightened. Flow is more challenging to achieve than Deep Work.

However, to achieve Flow more easily than any other method, one needs Deep Work. To reach a state of super-awareness and concentration, you must start by focusing effectively and ignoring other distractions.

How to Practice Deep Work

The formula for high-quality work output = time spent X intensity of focus.

As a result:

1. The ability to quickly grasp complex issues.
2. The ability to create high-level products, in terms of both quality and speed.

Simply put, Deep Work forces your mind to become a lens through which concentrated attention pushes you to extreme limits, unlocking abilities and achievements you never thought possible.

Levels of Deep Work

Currently, I categorize Deep Work into four levels, from the hardest to the easiest:

1. Full Deep Work: At this highest level, a person devotes most of their time to deep focus, rejecting all other options. Historically, these were monks, philosophers, mystics, and now they are scientists, psychologists, economists, and novelists who dedicate their lives to their work and goals. Examples include Nikola Tesla, Michelangelo, Vincent Van Gogh, the Wright brothers, and Haruki Murakami.
2. Deep Work Whenever Possible: This means practicing Deep Work whenever you can. Walter Isaacson, the renowned biographer, uses any free time to write, even if it’s just half a page. My friend Trung, a journalist turned novelist, uses every possible moment, such as lunch breaks or waiting for his child. This method requires self-awareness about what needs to be done in even short free periods, achieving remarkable concentration efficiency.
3. Fixed-Time Deep Work: This form involves dividing your day into periods for Deep Work and other tasks. Psychologist Carl Jung practiced this by splitting his time between a quiet cabin and a noisy hospital. Albert Einstein, while proving the Theory of Relativity, worked in a patent office by day and pondered his ideas by night.
4. Scheduled Deep Work: If you can't maintain fixed times for Deep Work, plan specific periods, like weekends or end-of-month sessions. For example, Bill Gates programmed continuously during summer breaks and later scheduled two weeks annually to disconnect entirely for reading and ideation.

Additional Strategies for Achieving Deep Work

1. Eliminate Distractions: To achieve Deep Work, it's crucial to create an environment free from distractions. This can involve using tools like website blockers, noise-cancelling headphones, or setting specific times to check emails and social media.
2. Set Clear Goals: Having clear, specific goals can help maintain focus. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable parts, and set milestones to measure progress.
3. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for Deep Work in your calendar. Treat these time slots as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular mindfulness and meditation practice can enhance your ability to focus. These practices train your brain to stay present and reduce the impact of distractions.

The Role of Deep Work in Professional Development

1. Skill Mastery: Deep Work allows for the rapid acquisition and mastery of new skills, which is essential in today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving job market.
2. Innovation and Creativity: By dedicating time to Deep Work, professionals can unlock higher levels of creativity and innovation. Many groundbreaking ideas and solutions come from uninterrupted focus.
3. Improved Decision Making: Enhanced concentration leads to better decision-making skills, as you can analyze complex information and consider various perspectives without interruption.

Real-World Examples of Deep Work

1. J.K. Rowling: The author wrote much of the Harry Potter series in cafes, often in a state of Deep Work, demonstrating the power of focused effort in creative writing.
2. Steve Jobs: Known for his intense focus and attention to detail, Jobs often secluded himself to think deeply about Apple’s products and strategies.
3. Bill Gates’ Think Weeks: As mentioned, Gates isolates himself twice a year to read extensively and think about new ideas, showcasing the importance of dedicated time for Deep Work.

Overcoming Common Challenges

1. Balancing Deep Work with Routine Tasks: It's important to strike a balance between Deep Work and routine tasks. Use strategies like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize and delegate less critical activities.
2. Maintaining Consistency: Building the habit of Deep Work requires consistency. Start with shorter periods and gradually increase as your concentration improves.
3. Dealing with Resistance: Understand that initial resistance is normal. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to gradually build your ability to focus for longer periods.

Benefits of Deep Work

I have practiced high-intensity focus for the past five years. In 2019, I read 293 books, and in 2018, I read 175. Now, I average around 100 books per year. By practicing Deep Work, I’ve managed my time well, disconnected from the internet more, and read more. I also write short stories in 1-2 days now, whereas it used to take me three weeks.

Previously, I was hired to write ten 3000-word articles in a month and finished in 11 days. I've written 40,000 words in 8 days by placing myself in a state of Deep Work. Currently, I’m writing this piece on my iPhone in a my coffee shop in Long Bien District - Hoa Giay Coffee & Tea, fully disconnected from distractions until I’m done.

The result is a more detailed piece than I initially thought, and I feel it's better written. Now, it's your turn. Choose the method of Deep Work that suits you best through this article.