I really needed this! I’ve been trying to write when I can grab time. Just doesn’t work. I am definitely going to implement the process of deep work. Thanks for summarizing it so solidly.
Thank you Beth! I was so taken with the concept myself, I just knew I wanted to get it out there. You can build it up too - so start just aiming for 10 or 20 mins deep work and then build up the time. I think the sandwiching it with the prep time and then the reflection is so important, and I don’t know - it just clicked in my brain! Good luck, do let me know how you get on!
Oh good luck - I hope you had a good work session! And I hope you love the forest app as much as me, it is so satisfying to start planting your trees and create your forest! It really is the little things!
I don’t think I’d ever framed deep work like this before, giving myself permission to do the prep and reflection - but also giving that ‘run up’, and review the time, thought and attention it needed.
It honestly, has changed how I work! Thank you as always for your support Mika !
This is so interesting, ‘Deep Work’ is on my to-read pile. As a composer, I tend to write in long intense sessions (of which such pockets of time are hard to come by at the moment). I’ll most likely compose the majority of the piece in one go. If I don’t manage that, then often, it falls by the wayside and I won’t return to it. When I came to write longer pieces of text, such as here on Substack, I found that in a similar way, I tended to write in one intense go. I might come back to tinker a bit and tidy it up, but I seem to need to get it all down in one go. Interestingly, I don’t find this uncomfortable, but I do find it intense, and it absolutely does require the ‘right’ sort of time, not just free from distractions, but also without the worry of thinking about what else I ought to be doing.
I think the thing I like the most about this method, is that it is totally unique and you can build your creative work routine exactly how you wish. All our processes are different, but I like the idea that the framework is steadfast - prep, work, reflect.
I create rituals (preparation) around writing. A pretty notebook, candles, hot water bottle. Somewhere cosy to rest. I love the idea of deep work. Even more now I’m in my 7th week of no Insta or FB. I feel like there is more space to be and to reflect on what is important. It’s far too easy to get drawn into the noise. These little reminders to stay with myself are crucial. I don’t find that easy :-) Happy Sunday Emily!
Thank you Lisa, yes! I love the idea that we can maximise that creative flow and achieve ‘the work’ whatever that may be in a series of sessions, I am a planner after all! The preparation step is so important, like a run up! I’d love to know how you get on? And congratulations on your 7th social media free week, that is AMAZING. Well done you!
Wow, this was an amazing post, Emily! Thank you so much for the inspiration! ❤️
Thank you so much Liz, that means a lot! I hope it has inspired !
Thank you so much for this post, it's just what I needed to read. I'll also definitely have to check out the forest app. ❤️
Thank you so much Clementine. I hope it helps. I LOVE the forest app! I hope you love it too.
Great article, restacking!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
I really needed this! I’ve been trying to write when I can grab time. Just doesn’t work. I am definitely going to implement the process of deep work. Thanks for summarizing it so solidly.
Thank you Beth! I was so taken with the concept myself, I just knew I wanted to get it out there. You can build it up too - so start just aiming for 10 or 20 mins deep work and then build up the time. I think the sandwiching it with the prep time and then the reflection is so important, and I don’t know - it just clicked in my brain! Good luck, do let me know how you get on!
I’ve just started using the pomodoro method recently, so I’m keen to try out the Forest App.
My preparation includes telling the fam to not disturb me for the next hour or so and turn my phone on do not disturb.
I also make sure I have water.
I’m about to start shortly, because there is a task I’ve been procrastinating, but I just had to quickly read your post first! ☺️
Oh good luck - I hope you had a good work session! And I hope you love the forest app as much as me, it is so satisfying to start planting your trees and create your forest! It really is the little things!
I don’t think I’d ever framed deep work like this before, giving myself permission to do the prep and reflection - but also giving that ‘run up’, and review the time, thought and attention it needed.
It honestly, has changed how I work! Thank you as always for your support Mika !
This is so interesting, ‘Deep Work’ is on my to-read pile. As a composer, I tend to write in long intense sessions (of which such pockets of time are hard to come by at the moment). I’ll most likely compose the majority of the piece in one go. If I don’t manage that, then often, it falls by the wayside and I won’t return to it. When I came to write longer pieces of text, such as here on Substack, I found that in a similar way, I tended to write in one intense go. I might come back to tinker a bit and tidy it up, but I seem to need to get it all down in one go. Interestingly, I don’t find this uncomfortable, but I do find it intense, and it absolutely does require the ‘right’ sort of time, not just free from distractions, but also without the worry of thinking about what else I ought to be doing.
I hope you enjoy it when you read it!
I think the thing I like the most about this method, is that it is totally unique and you can build your creative work routine exactly how you wish. All our processes are different, but I like the idea that the framework is steadfast - prep, work, reflect.
Thank you for reading David!
I read Deep Work earlier this year and found it quite interesting. Have you read his book Digital Minimalism? So good! 👏🏼😊
No! But I would really like to, I really enjoyed Deep Work. I will see if my library has Digital Minimalism tomorrow. Thank you!
I create rituals (preparation) around writing. A pretty notebook, candles, hot water bottle. Somewhere cosy to rest. I love the idea of deep work. Even more now I’m in my 7th week of no Insta or FB. I feel like there is more space to be and to reflect on what is important. It’s far too easy to get drawn into the noise. These little reminders to stay with myself are crucial. I don’t find that easy :-) Happy Sunday Emily!
Thank you Lisa, yes! I love the idea that we can maximise that creative flow and achieve ‘the work’ whatever that may be in a series of sessions, I am a planner after all! The preparation step is so important, like a run up! I’d love to know how you get on? And congratulations on your 7th social media free week, that is AMAZING. Well done you!