How to develop a core 21st century skill

All tasks can be divided into two main categories: in-depth and superficial work. They were singled out by Cal Newport, author of the book "Working with the Head". According to him, in-depth work is a professional activity performed in a state of undivided concentration, which requires the utmost exertion of mental abilities. Such an effort creates new values and increases the performer's skill, and the results are difficult to reproduce.

And superficial work is a computational type of tasks that do not require intellectual exertion, often performed in a state of distracted attention. As a rule, such efforts do not lead to the creation of new values in the world and are easily reproducible. These are meetings, work with e-mail, reports. Although these tasks are difficult to avoid, try to reduce the time spent on them. And also start developing the skill of deep concentration. Blogger Dan Silvestre explains how to do this.

1. Choose your own deep work method

It is difficult to focus deeply in a familiar work environment. Newport offers four systems that can be used for advanced work:

Monastic. Reduce or eliminate superficial responsibilities. Get long-term retreat and block out all distractions.
Dual-mode. Divide your work time into several sections that you devote to deep work, and leave the gaps for other activities. Work a few days a week according to the monastic system.
Rhythmic. The easiest way to do deep work on a regular basis is to make it a habit. The essence of the rhythmic system in. For example, set aside three to four hours of work each day that require concentration.
Journalistic. Alternate between deep and superficial work throughout the day. This method is not for beginners.

2. Make deep work a habit

Once you have chosen the method that works for you, schedule the days or hours for advanced work on your calendar, and try to stick to that schedule unswervingly. For such work to become a habit, you need not only your intention, but also a certain routine. Consider the following points:

Where. Choose a location exclusively for in-depth work. For example, a meeting room or a quiet corner in a library.
How many. Set aside a certain amount of time for each deep work session. Always know when you're done.
How. Processes need to be properly organized. Consider if you should turn off the internet while you work in depth. Are there any metrics you can use to measure your productivity?
With using what. For maximum success, you will need a support system. For example, you may be in the habit of starting work with a good cup of coffee, or having food on hand to replenish energy.

3. Bring plans to life using the four disciplines

Knowing what to do and how to do it is not the same thing. Many people spend time and resources thinking only of the former. But they forget to think about how they will implement the chosen strategy in life. The book “How to achieve the goal. Four disciplines of execution”offers the following methods:

Focus on mission-critical goals. Pick a few of these goals and pursue them during your deeper work. They need to deliver tangible professional results to keep you enthusiastic.
Be guided by leading indicators. Success can be measured using two metrics: lagging and leading. The former are the end goals you are trying to achieve. For example, the number of articles printed. The latter assess the habits that will lead to success. So, the actual indicator for in-depth work is the time spent in a state of full concentration and busy working on goals.
Keep records. People try harder when they need to record the result. Mark on your calendar how many hours a day you worked in depth. And the days on which you solved a difficult problem or did something else important, circle them.
Develop a reporting schedule. It will help you achieve your critical goals. Get in the habit of doing a report once a week and making plans for the next work week.

4. Remove all distractions

At work, it is almost impossible to stay focused for long. And the rest of the time we are constantly distracted by TV or social networks. As a result, our ability to concentrate suffers. The brain expects and even demands entertainment. Frequent switching from one task to another further aggravates the situation.

But conscious concentrated work, on the contrary, strengthens the pathways of the nervous system. Here are some ways to focus:

Work with headphones. Colleagues will think that you do not hear them, and they will turn to you less often.
Ask to be given the opportunity to work remotely for half a day. Best of all in the morning.
Go through your email twice a day, around lunchtime and at the end of the day. And limit the time you work with it, for example, using a "tomato" timer.
Turn off notifications on your phone. If there is something really urgent, they will call you.
Plan how much time you will spend on the Internet, and try not to go online just like that. This is useful not only at work, but also at home to train concentration.
At the end of the day, close all browser tabs and open programs, delete or move all files from your downloads to the desired location, empty the trash, and turn off your computer. It will be easier for you to get started tomorrow.

5. Don't forget to rest

Research has shown that we can work with concentration for about four hours a day. After that, the ability to concentrate decreases. So alternate between periods of deep work and rest.

When you finish your work, try not to think about it again until the morning. Don't check your mail after dinner, don't go over conversations with colleagues in your head, don't make plans for tomorrow.

This is why it is so important:

New ideas come up while on holiday. While your mind is relaxed, the subconscious mind will consolidate memories, and can also give you useful ideas and creative solutions.
Rest helps to replenish energy, which will then be useful to you for deeper work.
The work you do in the evening is usually not that important. Most likely, these are superficial tasks that do nothing for your career.

Just remember that quality rest is not mindless surfing the Internet or watching TV series. Be aware of technology and make yourself comfortable from time to time.

Bonus: how to improve in deep work

Train this skill constantly. Here are some tips to help you:

Give up social media. Constant notifications impair your ability to concentrate. If you can't spend less time on social media,.
Learn to say no. Be selective when deciding what to agree to. Every time you don't refuse, you say yes by default.
Meditate. It is enough to spend ten minutes in the morning on this to increase the ability to concentrate during the day.

Like any other technique, deep work needs to be tailored to suit you. Try different options until you find the one that works for you.