Deep work blocks
Long, scheduled, distraction-free sessions on one cognitively hard task
Phone, email and chat genuinely unavailable rather than just minimized, for an uninterrupted stretch of anywhere between 90 minutes and four hours, spent on one cognitively hard task. The claim is that value in knowledge work comes disproportionately from the small share of hours spent in this state, and that the ability to reach it is a trainable skill. Most people find the scheduling harder than the concentrating.
Who backs it
Sorted by strength of stance
- Cal NewportDoes it
Computer science professor · author of Deep Work
Concentration blocks go on his calendar four weeks ahead, and he protects them like appointments. Fragmented attention is what he designs against.
Source: calnewport.com: from deep tallies to deep schedules - Lex FridmanDoes it
AI researcher · Lex Fridman Podcast
Research and preparation happen in very long uninterrupted sessions, with strict rules about what is allowed to break them.
Source: Lex Fridman Podcast #435 transcript“For me, I start the day. Actually, that’s why I’m afraid, I’d really prize those morning hours. I start with the work, and I’m trying to hit the four-hour mark of deep focus.”
Lex Fridman Podcast #435 transcript (opens in a new tab) · 28 Jun 2024 - Ali AbdaalRecommends
Doctor turned YouTuber · author of Feel-Good Productivity
Long uninterrupted stretches are protected for writing and filming, with notifications treated as the main thing to eliminate.
Source: aliabdaal.com: my deep work system
Aimed at the same thing
Other entries filed under focus or productivity.
- ProtocolFREE, no cost
Environment design
Change the room instead of relying on willpower
Backed by 4 of 44 stacks: 1 do it, 3 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - ProtocolFREE, no cost
Time blocking
Give every hour of the workday a job before the day starts
Backed by 3 of 44 stacks: 2 do it, 1 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - ProtocolFREE, no cost
Digital declutter
A 30-day break from optional tech, then reintroduce deliberately
Backed by 2 of 44 stacks: 0 do it, 2 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - ProtocolFREE, no cost
Pomodoro technique
Work in timed sprints, usually 25 minutes on and 5 minutes off
Backed by 2 of 44 stacks: 1 do it, 0 recommend it, 1 have discussed it - ProtocolFREE, no cost
20-slot punch card rule
Imagine a lifetime card with only 20 punches: every big decision has to earn one
Backed by 1 of 44 stacks: 0 do it, 1 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - ProtocolFREE, no cost
5 Second Rule countdown
Count 5-4-3-2-1 out loud and move before hesitation talks you out of it
Backed by 1 of 44 stacks: 1 do it, 0 recommend it, 0 have discussed it
Protocol entry · notes paraphrased from cited sources, quoted excerpts copied from the transcript they link to. Not medical advice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by anyone listed. How this works.