“Great creative minds think like artists but work like accountants.”
—David Brooks, writer
The Problem
Ever since I first heard of Cal Newport and his book, Deep Work, I’ve had a problem. I have not been able to resolve the tension between the time essential for my work and family commitments and the desire to spend large blocks of time writing. There are moments when it has almost resolved but then remains a maddening mirage – right in front of me but just out of reach. To be clear, the problem is not my family or the obligations – it is the equation. What I want to achieve in a day is greater than the hours available. Regular, beautiful, big blocks of time to create – this was what I thought I wanted. For me and for many of us in this modern world, this is not what we have.
For over two years, my mind has been turning over all the possible permutations of solving the equation. Last weekend, as I was reading Newport’s book, the problem resolved. I found my right answer.
Newport:
“There’s no one correct deep work ritual – the right fit depends on both the person and the type of project pursued. But there are some general questions that any effective ritual must address:
- Where you’ll work and for how long
- How you’ll work once you start to work
- How you’ll support your work
To maximize your success, you need to support your efforts to go deep. At the same time, this support needs to be systematized so that you don’t waste mental energy figuring out what you need in the moment.”
Three Deep Work Philosophies
In his discussion of various methods of getting into a deep work state, Newport explores the process of many different artists and writers. In what he calls the bimodal philosophy, “deep work can produce extreme productivity, but only if the subject dedicates enough time to such endeavors to reach maximum cognitive intensity – the state in which real breakthroughs occur. This is why the minimum unit of time for deep work in this philosophy tends to be at least one full day.”
The second philosophy Newport calls the rhythmic philosophy, which “argues that the easiest way to consistently start deep work sessions is to transform them into a simple regular habit.” By creating a rhythm, you remove the mental energy spent in deciding when you’re going to go deep. This is a more viable option for people who, for various reasons, are not able to invest full days into the deep work state of mind.
It is important to note that it takes time to ease into a state of concentration, so if you are using this method, the block of time must be sufficient to drop in – and 90 minutes can yield a good result when applied consistently.
In the third method – the journalistic philosophy – the writer is able to shift into writing mode on a moments notice, and utilize what time becomes available to engage into their work. Newport shares this anecdote about the journalist Walter Isaacson:
“It was always amazing…he could retreat up to the bedroom for a while, when the rest of us were chilling on the patio or whatever, to work on his book…he’d go up for twenty minutes or an hour, we’d hear the typewriter pounding, then he’d come down as relaxed as the rest of us…the work never seemed to faze him, he just happily went up to work when he had the spare time.”
The Workbench | Solving the Equation
Reading through these different philosophies provided the missing piece of information that empowered me to decide on my right process and eliminate the loose end that was distracting my attention – the idea that the time I did have was not sufficient. It brought into sharp focus:
- That there is more than one way to get solid work done.
- That my schedule can accommodate the work.
- That deciding on a process releases creative energy!
My solution: I decided that the early morning (not too early, mind you) was a time in which I had the best chance of successfully and consistently writing. I’m often too tired at night, with too many distractions, and the willpower bank is depleted. Now, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, I sit down by 6:30 and write until 8:00. It’s working – I’ve been able to stay consistent and produce over the past three weeks, and seeing a streak of success is motivating. And there’s an unanticipated side benefit – my evenings are truly free. I can easily choose how to spend my time, knowing that I’ve paid attention to this thing I love. It’s taken a long time to get here, and I’m still finessing the process, but that’s all part of solving the equation.
We all have these loose ends that pervade our consciousness, sometimes for years. They come in the form of the unrealized ideas, thoughts and stories we tell ourselves. If this resonates, I ask you now to begin the process of paying attention to the patterns of thinking that hold you back from doing your best projects and work – creative or otherwise. Are there stories you are telling yourself about not having enough time? If so, consider cultivating a habit of deep work that works for you and your circumstances. Start a practice and adjust, as necessary. Give it time to take root.
Resources:
Get this book! For more information on Cal Newport’s work, and to get the book: https://www.calnewport.com/
Equation: Photo by Science in HD on Unsplash