Does your day fly by, only for you to realize at the end that you barely made progress on what truly matters? In today’s world of constant notifications, overflowing inboxes, and back-to-back meetings, it’s no surprise that so many of us struggle to focus on our most important work.
A few months ago, my friend and fellow coach, Aaron D’Souza, introduced me to the concept of Deep Work from Cal Newport’s book, and it completely changed how I structure my days 😍
💡 Newport argues that deep work—the ability to focus intensely without distraction—is one of the most valuable skills in today’s economy. But most of us are stuck in shallow work—answering emails, jumping between tasks, and constantly reacting instead of creating.
The difference between deep work and shallow work
Newport defines deep work as focused, uninterrupted work on cognitively demanding tasks that produce high-value results. This could be strategizing, writing, designing, coding, or solving complex problems—work that requires intense concentration 🧠
Shallow work, on the other hand, includes low-value, reactive tasks like responding to emails 📧 attending unnecessary meetings, checking notifications, and multitasking. These activities make you feel busy but don’t contribute much to meaningful progress 😔
I realized that much of my day was being spent on surface work—responding to emails, checking messages, and doing small, quick tasks that didn’t actually move the needle in my business.
Since embracing deep work, I’ve structured my days with uninterrupted blocks of focused work, where I don’t check my phone or email. Instead of getting lost in distractions, I dedicate time to the projects that make the biggest impact 🚀
How to implement deep work:
🗓️ Time block your schedule: dedicate specific chunks of time to deep work instead of letting distractions dictate your day. I set aside uninterrupted 90-minute blocks for my most important tasks, treating them like immovable appointments.
📵 Turn off notifications: your phone, email, and Slack don’t need your constant attention. Constant interruptions destroy focus. Try putting your phone on Do Not Disturb mode, or even placing it in another room while you work.
🛑 Delete or limit social media: if you don’t need social media for work, consider deleting it from your phone, or scheduling strict usage windows to limit mindless scrolling.
☕ Create a deep work ritual: having a ritual signals your brain that it’s time to focus. For me, this means starting my deep work sessions with my favourite drink, clearing my desk of distractions and sometimes going to a coffee shop for a change of scene.
🖲️ Track your time: I started auditing my workdays and was shocked by how much time I lost to small, unimportant tasks. Keeping a time log can help identify areas where you can reclaim focus.
⏩ Batch tasks: instead of constantly responding to messages and emails throughout the day, Newport suggests batching these tasks into specific time slots. For example, checking your inbox only twice a day, which frees up hours for deep work.
🥸 Be hard to reach: being too available drains productivity. Newport recommends setting clear expectations about when and how people can contact you to protect your deep work time.
The Results? More Productivity, More Progress!!
Since making deep work a priority, I’ve accomplished more in fewer hours. I no longer feel like my day disappears into a black hole of small tasks. The work that actually moves my business forward gets done first, not squeezed in between distractions 🙏🏽
If you find yourself constantly busy but not making real progress, it might be time to rethink how you structure your work.
What can you do to start making more time for deep work? re you making time for deep work? Reply and let me know how you handle distractions!
Lots of love,
-Anna
P.S. Want to master deep work and boost your confidence? Here’s how we can work together:
🧠 Take my Confidence Monster Quiz: find out what’s holding you back and get strategies to overcome it!
📅 Book a Free Clarity Call: let’s strategize how to focus on what truly moves the needle in your life and career.
🎥 Check Out My YouTube Channel: watch tips on confidence, productivity, and leadership.
