One of the best books which I read this year as part of my personal reading challenge was Deep Work by Carl Newport. It discusses the potential of doing focussed and deep work. One of the major takeaways is the expression ‘deliberate practice’. The only way one can engage in deep work is based on ‘intentions’. This will help us to avoid distractions and avoid multitasking. Carl Newport is also the author of Digital Minimalism, Slow Productivity and How to Become a Straight A Student. Last night I was able to engage myself in deep work for more than three hours. The work involved preparing the internal mark sheets for three classes. I started the work at 10.30 pm and by the time I took the final printouts it was 1.30 am. The idea for this blog popped up before I hit the sack.
One of the main intentions behind this three-hour deep work session was to complete the academic backlog. There is also an element of joy and excitement in the work. I like using Microsoft Excel for preparing the marksheets. Every time I use the software, I am in awe of its computational capabilities. One feature, I really enjoy is the drag and fill option which is a great way to complete the mark entry in one go.
One essential thing that enables deep work is the availability of the resources or the data that is required to complete the work. For preparing the marksheets, what I required were speaking marksheets, Kahoot! Scores, Google Form scores, students’ attendance data and mark statements of the three continuous assessments. All these were readily available, my task became effortless. This method is so conducive when writing research papers and articles.
Technology is a double-edged sword. It makes us productive and at the same time it can also be highly disruptive. Carl Newport’s book Digital Minimalism talks about the significance of adopting technological sabbatical. The book encourages us to step back from the onslaught of digital distractions. The book is a clarion call for reclaiming self-autonomy and to lead a more satisfying and healthy lives. One of the recommendations by the author is to leave the mobile phones at home while going for walks.
It is not easy to create a distraction free study environment. Either we have to create one through conscious efforts or we may have to find one inside a library, park or a coffee shop. The quality of research will be based on the quality of the workspace. The following books will help to design a distraction free, productive environment: Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretch Rubin, The New Corner Office by Laura Vanderkam, The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, Mind Over Clutter by Nicola Lewis, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying-Up by Marie Kondo.
When I completed the mark sheet task, I felt that the whole world was non-existent. The intention was so strong that I took up the task as a top priority by giving up my daily routine which included reading three books and watching a web series. When you are engaged in deep work, your mind should focus the most important task and you may have to sacrifice some simple pleasures of life.
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