Your workday just a never-ending loop of emails, pointless meetings, and random tasks that keep you from doing anything productive? You’re not the only one! 

According to Asana, who are project management gurus, 60% of our time is eaten up by “shallow work.” 

In today’s hybrid work world, shallow work is sort of unavoidable. It’s the reality of the modern office grind. But this kind of work is like kryptonite for creativity and long-term thinking. How can you plan for the future when you’re drowning in today’s pointless trivial tasks?

Even when you’ve miraculously cleared your shallow work slate, real life doesn’t take a break. There are always texts, appointments, and endless notifications vying for your attention. Sure, crossing these off your list feels good, but it drains your energy for the stuff that actually matters.

When it’s finally time to tackle a big project, you’re often left wondering, “How do I even start?” It’s like your brain is stuck in shallow mode, and breaking out seems impossible. Enter “deep work,” a term from Cal Newport, a Georgetown professor who’s basically the Yoda of productivity. Deep work is all about intense focus that lets you create top-notch work quickly.

Imagine dedicating just four hours a day to distraction-free deep work. If four seems like a fantasy, start with two or even one. Think about the ideas you could hatch and the strides you could make once you stop being a slave to constant availability. You’d be a game-changer at work and more in tune with your own potential.

You’ve had your morning run, downed your coffee, and banished your phone to another room. For the next few hours, you’re in the zone, smashing through tasks without a single Slack ping or email alert. This is what a perfect deep work session looks like, and trust us, it’s a game-changer.

Deep work isn’t easy, but it’s insanely rewarding. It can transform how you see your job. Instead of rushing to clear your plate, you’ll start seeing deep work as the highlight of your day. It’s a reminder of why you chose your career in the first place. Solving problems feels amazing and has a lasting impact, unlike the fleeting joy of a cleared to-do list.

Newport suggests different styles of deep work, from monastic (total isolation) to journalistic (squeezing in deep work whenever possible). 

Of course, you shouldn’t ignore calls, emails, or texts, especially from the missus. But it is important to recognize how these constant interruptions can derail your focus. “Attention residue” is a real thing, making it tough to dive back into a task once distracted.

Ultimately, deep work is rare but creates exceptional results. Deciding to make time for it is the hardest part. If you can, start with a bold move—a “grand gesture” like Bill Gates’ famous cabin retreats. But even a small effort this afternoon can make a difference. Start small, set your terms, and see how deep work can revolutionise your day. Scrolling Instagram is often regretted; few people ever regret a good brainstorming session.