As predicted...I kept feeling the need to check my phone or pull away and do something else.
In the end, I did better by setting short time frames to focus on work and the reward myself with a small break.
So, I guess there will be times when focusing for 3 hours at a time will be easy, and other days when it will be more difficult. On those difficult days I could use the Pomodoro technique instead (25 mins + 5 minute break).
The lessons from reading Atomic Habits by James Clear have really stuck with me when it comes doing to important work. Here's a quick list:
In the end, I did better by setting short time frames to focus on work and the reward myself with a small break.
So, I guess there will be times when focusing for 3 hours at a time will be easy, and other days when it will be more difficult. On those difficult days I could use the Pomodoro technique instead (25 mins + 5 minute break).
The lessons from reading Atomic Habits by James Clear have really stuck with me when it comes doing to important work. Here's a quick list:
- Let go of perfect - turning up is the important factor for reinforcing your identity.
- The two minute rule - just do two minutes.
- Never miss twice - Miss a day? Turn up the next day. Two misses in a row = a new habit forming.
- Don’t put a zero in - even if you do less than what you’d like to do, don’t put up a zero.
- Focus on the action rather than the goal - inputs vs outputs - what I can control vs what I can’t
- Don’t break the chain
- Look at my performance and be proud of the small changes I’m making
In the case of today...I may not have worked a perfect 3 hour deep work session, but I did turn up, I did make progress, and I did it without perfection holding me back!
That's enough for today.
Next deep work session is scheduled in for Thursday 3rd June - I'd like to get up early and be at my desk for 7am. Let's see if I can do it!
Onwards!