Productivity Preparation: Set the Scene for Success in Deep Work

The devil is in the details. Interrupted by funny text memes, sidetracked by email, or neeeed a latte? Simple solutions can set you up to crush it! (And then have that latte later, feeling smug).

There are different kinds of work and many work styles, but if you are trying to learn something new, understand something complex, integrate and evaluate ideas, or create an important product, then you are engaging in what productivity gurus call “deep work.” Deep work requires the time and space for you to get into a highly focused state. Easier said than done when there is a lot going on around you or in your head. Some simple preparation can help you set the stage.

Remove distractions (Is that capybara wearing a bow tie?)

Turn your phone off or turn on “do not disturb” mode. (If you have a twitchy friend, romantic partner, or parent who will presume you are dead if you don't instantly answer calls or text back, send “I am about to go into my work cave for 3 hours and am turning my phone off” texts first. And then immediately turn off your phone).

Consider hiding your phone. Maybe across the room or in your closet or in a drawer. Research shows students who put their phone in another room generally do better on the test they are studying for! If the phone’s siren song keeps calling to you, consider handing it over to an accountability buddy for the duration. (No, a “quick” social media check probably won’t be quick and you may find yourself scrolling through funny capybara and penguin videos 40 minutes later).

Silence, s’il vous plait. OK, it’s not the French Open, but you may need silence just as much as those fancy top-ranked tennis stars. Try earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, white noise, or soft simple background music.

No visitors, no interruptions (yet). If you are in a dorm or hotel or shared living space, consider putting a “Brain Training in Progress - Do Not Disturb” or similar sign on the door.

If you need to work on your computer, consider “locking yourself in” to the one place you need to be or “locking yourself out” of tempting websites. For example, I use the Chrome extension “StayFocusd” to limit the amount of time I can play Solitaire before it locks me out for the rest of the day. Many apps have a multitude of customized settings for where and when you are locked in or out and for how long.

Consider using a timer to tell you when it is break time so you don’t need to keep checking the time. This outsources the time tracking and may help you achieve flow.

Remove excuses (I could really go for a Boba tea right about now!)

Prep your environment with enough pencils, erasers, paper, a calculator, etc.

Make sure you have your laptop charger and any other cords or batteries you might need.

Gather any books, notes, assignments, or reports you need on your virtual or actual desktop.

Get yourself sufficient drinks and snacks to last the entirety of your study session. (But consider saving any really special treat as a reward for afterwards or as a break!)

Pretend you are about to start a road trip and use the bathroom.

I had a friend who used duct tape and taped himself to his office chair to get a big paper done. With a substantial amount of duct tape! Some of it directly on his skin! He decided he would only tear himself free (think painful leg hair removal as a deterrent to whimsical breaks) when he had finished his paper. It worked. But I don’t recommend it. Unless you are desperate.

Add pampering touches (Fuzzy purple chenille blanket, anyone?)

If this all sounds a little too monastic for you, you can also prep your environment with a few non-distracting indulgences.

Think comfort. Change into comfy clothes you enjoy. Maybe put on your fuzzy slippers or get a plump pillow to lean back on.

Bring in a fan or a fuzzy blanket, depending on the season.

Turn on your essential oil diffuser, use a sweet-selling plug-in, potpourri, or a scented candle.

Turn on a bright work task light or a pretty lamp or soft fairy lights.

Obviously, you don’t want to make your environment so magical that you get distracted or so soothing that you fall asleep. But sometimes, little touches can help you feel less like you are in prison and more like you are a brilliant scholar, a cutting-edge scientist, a literary titan, or some other vision of productive perfection. And afterwards, you can text a friend and treat yourself to that latte. Also published on Substack.