Deep work, as the name suggests, is the practice of focusing intensely on one task or project at a time without distraction. The term was popularized by Cal Newport in his book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World.
The ability to perform deep work is a valuable skill for freelancers who need to dedicate their undivided attention to their most cognitively challenging tasks to achieve high-quality results. These tasks can range from coding to writing reports, composing music or designing a website, and so on.
In short, practicing deep work is basically the opposite of multitasking.
Here are 5 tips for deep work for freelancers.
1. Exercise
Exercise may seem an unusual first step for those seeking to achieve a state of deep focus, but having a clear head after exercising can do wonders for your productivity. It can also act as the starting ritual that prepares you mentally for your deep work session. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous either. A quick walk around the block or a stretching session can work just as well.
Likewise, when you end your deep work session, you can use exercise as a transition ritual that takes you out of the deeply focused state. Regular breaks ensure you don’t burn out and can also enhance both productivity and creativity.
2. Set aside allotted time
Set aside a particular time duration for your deep work and stick to it. A timer or app might be helpful here. The key is to start and stop deep work at the times you’ve set and not go over or under these set times. This will build discipline and quickly become a habit.
Also, be mindful of the times of day when you are most productive or creative, as well as which days work best for you to perform deep work. For example, you may have other care, parenting, or household duties depending on the day of the week, so set aside deep work time at times when you know you won’t be distracted.
3. Automate, delegate or outsource routine tasks
For smaller tasks, or what Newman in his book describes as low cognitive or ‘shallow’ work tasks that don’t require a lot of effort or are repetitive, such as routine administrative tasks, consider automating, delegating, or outsourcing some of these.
For example, if you are still creating and sending manual invoices, this can be time-consuming, fiddly and open to errors. Invoice Ninja is a free, leading invoicing software specifically designed for small businesses and freelancers to help you get paid fast and hassle-free. It has a wide range of handy features and use cases, including free, customizable and professionally designed invoice templates. See all our features here and try Invoice Ninja out for free here.
4. Have a ‘work-ready’ workspace
Maintain a tidy and ‘work-ready’ workspace with all the tools you need to perform the task at hand. You don’t want to start a deep work session only to find that you haven’t got the right equipment, data, or other necessary materials to perform the work. Going off to retrieve something will inevitably distract you and break your concentration.
Furthermore, ensure your workspace is quiet and distraction-free. Close workspace doors if you have to, anything that will help you get your head down and focused on the task ahead. Likewise, eliminate anything that makes your work environment uncomfortable, such as cramped spaces, temperature disparities, poor lighting or unsuitable seating. All this can distract you from your task.
5. Avoid all distractions
Distractions can come in many different forms. So, in addition to turning off devices such as your smartphone (or at least switching off notifications) during your deep work session, you should also be mindful of other potential distractions, such as outside interference from pets or other household members. Let people know you are in a deep work session, block your calendar and ask not to be disturbed. Some people find that noise-cancelling headphones help.
Also, be mindful of your thoughts and try not to be distracted by thinking about other projects or tasks. When you first start deep work sessions, it may be helpful to have a notepad to record all the distractions you encounter so you know how to mitigate them in the future.
