We have all been there: There’s a test coming up, or homework to be done, bills need to be paid, or you have some last minute work projects that have to be completed asap and even though we feel the pressure to complete these tasks we pick up our phones and break our concentration. These moments of distraction that we use to check our email, or online social lives are actions that have become the norm in our daily modern lives. If you work remotely the amount of distractions can seem endless. After all, you are comfortable in your own home but working on the clock.
There are things that can be done to facilitate deep work when working remotely, as well as setting aside your mobile devices and other distractions to create an ambience where you can focus all of your energy into your work. “This concept of having a “work tower”—a space sent aside just for work—is a helpful practice for remote workers. Any clearly demarcated space where you can work without interruptions and distractions will do. If you aren’t able to create a space like this in your home, many remote workers have had success finding “towers” in public places like libraries, quiet coffee shops, or co-working spaces”. (Ian Giles) Having your work tower, or own workspace takes you away from your distractions unless you bring them with you but having this space should feel almost sacred in a way when it comes to your work and accomplishing your goals.
While in your workspace, you should ask others in your household or place of work to respect that the door to your office or cubicle may be shut and to understand that you are in a process of deep work. Allow others to understand that you can maximize your work time this way and that having that space is important to you. However, you must respect it as well. That is why you should not tempt yourself by bringing your devices to check your social media accounts, or surf the internet. “Get rid of temptations. Close computer tabs not in use. Consider web browser plug-ins that block specific sites such as social media platforms during the time you’re working. Refrain from turning on the TV “just for a minute,” and definitely don’t install one near your work area”. (Beth Braccio Hering)
Deep work is less a set of rules and more of a state of mind. It is satisfying knowing that you gave it your all on a project or work either in the office or remotely in the comfort of your own home. It takes a certain level of discipline and understanding of yourself to be able to be consistent, but every time you try to focus and get work done using deep work ideologies as a method to success, you become better at it.
Resources
Giles, Ian. “Taking Deep Work Remote.” Medium, The Crossover Blog, 22 Aug. 2017, medium.com/the-crossover-cast/taking-deep-work-remote-f1d55045de51.
Hering, Beth Braccio. “Tips for Working Remotely: 10 Ways to Maximize Productivity.” FlexJobs Job Search Tips and Blog, FlexJobs.com, 8 May 2020, http://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/tips-working-remotely-v2/.
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