Are you doing too much shallow work?

[Lifehack.org]( Practice Deep Work Deep work is the ability to concentrate without interruption, enabling you to power through tasks efficiently and move the needle. [Share Today's Tip With a Friend]( Hi there, Have you ever found yourself in the whirlwind of a workday, racing from task to task, barely pausing for lunch, yet as the day draws to a close, you feel like you've accomplished nothing? You're drained, yet there's little to show for the flurry of activity. If this sounds all too familiar, you're likely ensnared in what's known as the 'shallow work' trap. The term 'shallow work' was coined by Cal Newport, a thought-leader and professor of computer science. He describes it as the small tasks that suck up our time but demand little of our cognitive abilities, like answering emails, scrolling through social media, and attending meetings that result in no significant outcomes. While such work might take up a chunk of our day, it seldom pushes us towards our bigger goals or brings real value. It leaves us feeling more exhausted than accomplished, as it lacks meaning and purpose. For most of us, escaping shallow work entirely is almost impossible. Emails need responses, updates need sharing, paperwork needs filling out. But the key lies in not letting shallow work dominate our days. The real issue with shallow work is the distraction it brings. Endless notifications and back-to-back meetings result in a fragmented workday, keeping us from sinking our teeth into the valuable work that truly matters. When we dart from one shallow task to another, we end the day with a feeling of having worked a lot but accomplished little. It robs us of the satisfaction of progress and learning. This constant juggling of tasks hampers the quality of our work. The human brain isn't built for continuous switching and it drains our cognitive energy. Research reveals that every time we pause to deal with a distraction, it takes about 25 minutes to regain our focus. This 'task residue' prevents us from concentrating fully on what we're currently doing. So, how do we prevent shallow work from feasting on our productivity? The answer is 'deep work'. Deep work is the ability to concentrate without interruption, enabling us to power through demanding tasks efficiently. To foster deep work, here are a couple of strategies: 🗓️ Allocate specific time slots in your day for important tasks. During these times, shield yourself from distractions, and channel all your energy towards one task. This focused approach will not only expedite task completion but will also enhance the quality of your work. [The Full Life Planner]( a tool within our Productivity Bundle, is designed to help you on this. It guides you to categorize your tasks based on priority and helps you assign dedicated time slots for each. It also helps in setting clear objectives for each time slot, further sharpening your focus. The planner encourages regular breaks to ensure you do not wear yourself out. After all, productivity is a marathon, not a sprint. 🧘Enhance your focus by practicing mindfulness regularly. Practicing mindfulness is like an exercise for your mind that helps you become more aware of where your focus is at any given moment. This heightened awareness allows you to guide your attention back to your task whenever you notice it wandering off. Our Productivity bundle also contains a resource called [The Mindful Focus Toolkit](. Designed specifically for busy individuals, this toolkit is packed with mindfulness exercises and practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine. It offers simple but effective strategies to gently train your mind to resist distractions and stay aligned with your objectives. In a world that constantly attempts to scatter your attention, it's essential to harness the power of deep work and mindfulness. With a well-structured plan and a disciplined mind, you can navigate through the chaos and make significant strides towards your goals. Remember, the goal is not to get more things done, but to get the right things done. Cheers, Leon Founder & CEO@LifeHack Practicing deep work is one of many time-smart techniques you can learn to add hours back to your day and get more done. If you look for more guidance and support to reclaim your time, LifeHack's Productivity Bundle is what you need. Reclaim your time with LifeHack today! [Reclaim My Time →]( [Share This Email With a Friend]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Youtube]( [Pinterest]( Sent to: {EMAIL} [Unsubscribe]( Lifehack, Unit 33554, PO Box 6945,, London, W1A 6US, United Kingdom