In his podcast, Lex Fridman introduced us to “Deep Work.” The theory drew much attention from his audience, forcing his hand to bring Cal Newport, the man behind the idea, onto his podcast to unpack it for his audience.
Cal appeared on #166 of Lex’s show to the excitement of his followers. During the three-hour podcast, Cal discussed many topics, with the Deep Work theory featured in the first 30 minutes of the show, before moving on to other points of discussion.
What is deep work theory, and how can it benefit you as a freelance writer? As writers, we all struggle with focus, succumbing to the pitfalls of distraction as we try to engage ourselves in our work. By leveraging the concept of deep work, we can block out these distractions and enhance our productivity.
Deep work allows us to focus our minds on the task at hand, immersing ourselves in our work to the point where we reach a “flow state.” Initiating a flow state makes the hours fly by, and before you know it, you’ve covered your work for the day without wasting hours procrastinating.
In contrast, “shallow work” means we’re not engaged in what we’re doing at that moment. How often have you found yourself sitting in front of your laptop with ten tabs open, endlessly scrolling through YouTube shorts while you think of something to write? It happens to all of us from time to time, and understanding how to initiate deep work into our schedule does away with this problem.
Deep work requires focus, and when you learn to harness the power of your mind. You unlock its capability for creativity and concentration, driving you into a more productive and functional state where you achieve your goals.
Why is it So Challenging to Get into a Deep Work State?
Freelance writers find achieving a deep work state challenging due to expectations and distractions. As a freelancer, you’re expected to always be available to the client, and this expectation breeds uncertainty and distraction in your workflow.
Aside from client expectations, being at home all day tends to breed expectations from family and friends. Since you’re always at home, people assume you’re always available, and they can make requests from you because, somehow, you have nothing better to do.
These individuals don’t realize that your home is your office. Just because you spend your days in your office writing doesn’t mean you have more time than they do to mess around during the day. Still, they decide to pester you with meaningless tasks, such as going to the grocery store, collecting the dry cleaning, and cleaning out the blocked garbage disposal.
They might call you during the day when they feel bored at work for chit-chat, asking you how your day’s going. These relentless distractions detract from your focus, and you never reach that flow state where your productivity and output optimize.
So, to harness the deep work state, we must put aside all distractions. Close those open tabs on your desktop. Turn your phone on silent, and set an automated email response telling clients you’re busy with a task and you’ll get back to them.
Then, immerse yourself in your project for at least three to four hours. During this time, you do nothing but work. Don’t get up to use the bathroom unless you’re busting, don’t make a cup of tea, and don’t answer the door unless you’re expecting someone.
Take a two-hour break at the end of the four-hour session. Attend your chores, go to the gym, and get something to eat. After the two hours are up, return to your desk and knock out another three to four-hour deep work session. Adopt this strategy, and you’ll see your productivity skyrocket.
Why is a Deep Work State Important for Freelancers to Master?
Deep Work Produces Quality Results
When you’re in a flow state, with all distractions out of your way, productivity goes through the roof. However, deep work not only improves the quantity of work you produce but also enhances the quality of your work.
When you achieve a flow state, you’re fully tapped into your mind, and it’s firing on all cylinders. You find the ideas come flooding out of your consciousness, and you never struggle to grasp words or concepts or fail in your research.
Deep work and the flow state that arises from it unlocks your creativity and passion. The hours fly by as long as you remain immersed. Don’t think about how many minutes pass, toss away the clock and focus on your work.
Deep Work Removes Anxiety
It creates anxiety when you can’t focus on your work due to never-ending distractions. You’re not meeting your deadline, you can’t think of anything to write, and those YouTube Shorts keep distracting you from your research.
Anxiety starts to mount as you realize your productivity is low and you’re not going to meet client expectations or personal benchmarks for daily output. When you enter a deep work state and finish your three to four hours of productive work, you’ll feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.
You’ve achieved your goals for the day and met your deadline. There’s no anxiety and no fear of having to put in time later in the evening when you’re tired. You get more done during the day, and there’s more time to focus on your relationships and entertainment in the evening without any guilt of you falling behind in your work.
Invest In Deep Work and Watch Your Productivity and Work Quality Soar
Deep work keeps you accountable; it ensures you stay focused, on-task, and on track to achieving your daily workflow and goals. You’ll notice results when you invest in deep work and dedicate time to it each day.
It might sound intimidating to sit down for three to four hours at a time without so much as a bathroom break, and that’s okay. The reality is it’s not as challenging as you think. When you unlock that flow state and your mind syncs with your goals, anything is possible.