5 Ways to Settle in for Deep Work

I don't know about you, but given the state of the world, I've been feeling very, very, very distracted of late. Even now, I'm glancing out the window looking for a squirrel I saw frolicking earlier today, and I have an itch to hop over to Bluesky or Reddit to see what's going on.

Okay, confession time. I did just click over to Bluesky, but to be fair, as I'm writing this, Trump and Musk are engaged in a ridiculous online spat. It's enough to distract even the most focused individual.

Such is the world we live in today. Distractions. Distractions. And more distractions.

We all know that true productivity, creativity, and problem-solving happen when we are in a deeply focused state, but how do you actually settle in and create the conditions for it?

It’s more than just sitting down at your desk. It’s about cultivating an environment and a mindset that fosters intense concentration.

Here are five effective ways to prepare yourself for a session of deep work:

1. Declutter Your Physical and Digital Space

Before you even think about tackling a complex task, take a few minutes to clear your surroundings. A messy desk can be a silent source of distraction, pulling your attention away with every misplaced paper or forgotten coffee cup. Similarly, a cluttered digital desktop, a dozen open tabs, or a barrage of notifications can quickly derail your focus. Close unnecessary browser tabs, hide desktop icons, and organize your files. This visual and digital decluttering signals to your brain that it's time to focus, reducing cognitive load and making it easier to dive into your work.

Extra tip: Schedule weekly time such as Friday afternoons to do a quick declutter. You'll be surprised how quick and easy it is to keep things tidy.

2. Silence the Notifications (Seriously!)

This might seem obvious, but it’s often the most challenging step for many. Notifications are designed to grab your attention, and each ping, buzz, or pop-up pulls you out of your flow state. Turn off all non-essential notifications on your phone, computer, and any other devices. Consider putting your phone in another room or on airplane mode. For important communications, designate specific times to check them, rather than letting them interrupt your deep work sessions. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is real, but the rewards of uninterrupted concentration far outweigh it.

Extra tip: Let the people who are most likely to interrupt you know that you're going offline for an hour or two. And, if you have an office door, close it!

3. Define Your Deep Work Task and Goal

Don't just sit down and hope to do deep work. Before you begin, clearly define the specific task you'll be working on and what you aim to achieve during this session. This clarity provides direction and purpose, preventing you from drifting aimlessly. Breaking down a larger project into smaller, manageable deep work chunks can also be incredibly effective. For example, instead of "write blog post," try "outline introduction and first two body paragraphs." This clear objective helps you dive in immediately and stay on track.

Extra tip: If you have a perfectionist streak, determine what is the minimum, medium, and maximum level of completion you'd like to achieve during this work session. Aim for medium, accept minimum, and only go for maximum if it's truly worth the time and energy to do so.

4. Create a "Deep Work Ritual"

Humans thrive on routines and rituals. Establishing a pre-deep work ritual can signal to your brain that it's time to shift into focused mode. This could be anything from making a specific cup of tea, listening to a particular instrumental playlist, doing a 5-minute meditation, or even just stretching. The key is consistency. Over time, your brain will associate this ritual with intense concentration, making it easier to transition into a state of deep work. This ritual acts as a psychological trigger, preparing your mind for the task ahead.

Extra tip: I like scent to help me focus. I'll either light a scented candle or spray the room with a scented mist - lavender mint is my favorite!

5. Fuel Your Body and Mind Appropriately

Deep work is mentally demanding, so ensure your body and mind are adequately prepared. This means hydrating, having a light, energy-sustaining snack if needed (avoiding heavy meals that can lead to a slump), and ensuring you've had enough sleep. While coffee can be a helpful tool, be mindful of over-caffeination, which can lead to jitters and restlessness. Creating the optimal physical state supports your mental capacity for sustained focus, allowing you to maximize the effectiveness of your deep work session.

Extra tip: If you can, get your deep focus work done before lunch!

So there you have it! By intentionally implementing these five strategies, you’ll not only find it easier to settle into deep work but also experience a significant improvement in the quality and output of your most important tasks.

Make deep work a deliberate practice, and watch your productivity soar.

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