Chris Marr

April 12, 2021

12th April 2021 - Setting the conditions for deep work

I'm about to start my third deep work writing session. I can't start thinking that I've got this and I know what I'm doing, yet. I need to keep reminding myself about the conditions that need to be set for me to write this book. 

Today's session starts at 9:30am and ends at 11:45am - 2 hours and 15 minutes. No break this time...working straight through. 

Here are a few reminders for the conditions: 

  • Put your iPhone in another room
  • Turn notifications off
  • Set a timer that you can see (Google timer on other screen)
  • Turn off the WiFi
  • Place pen and index cards beside you for random thoughts and notes that have nothing to do with this project
  • Get water and some fruit to snack on
  • Prove to yourself that you can focus on one thing for a few hours
  • If you need to look something up online, take a note and look it up later
  • Offline music playlist in Spotify (Incubus playlist for today)
  • Go for a walk directly afterwards and focus your mind on a challenge with writing
  • Resist all form of distraction!

OK...I've got 10 minutes to set these conditions before making a start.

Let's get to work.

About Chris Marr

I have many projects - this is my deep work, deep life project…where I share how I’m approaching my work and my life in general.