I have been extremely busy recently. Both busy and productive. Through a series of events outside of my control, multiple projects and deadlines have converged - without prior warning - to within the next few weeks. However, I have found that when I take the time necessary to properly capture, control, and carry-out (briefly outlined in this blog post), I have been able to keep on top of my work without being too stressed.

This idea is nicely expressed in David Allen’s Getting Things Done, in which he discusses the purpose of the brain being to have ideas and not hold them. That by externalising the thoughts/commitments/projects to a trusted system, the brain can stop expending energy and focus on executing. Even though I have been busy, I know what has to get done, and what can be delayed until I have more time. This lets me focus on the task at hand and produce high quality output in a short period of time.

Another idea I have been considering is the idea of high quality leisure. During my PhD I found that I could finish a long day of work trying to crack a chemistry problem, and come home to tackle a completely unrelated coding problem. Ostensibly, these are both work. However, the change in type of work made each project feel like a break from the other. I also found that my subconscious would tick over when working on a different project, and many of the breakthroughs came when I was busy working on something else.

Similarly, the key to my recent busy yet productive time has been taking a break from each type of work. I am still mostly working from home, so spend the majority of my work day in front of a computer screen. However, just because all of the work occurs in front of a monitor, doesn’t mean it is all the same type of work. During my day, I will have several (currently three blocks) of deep work (90 minutes) each split with a proper break (stepping away from the computer - usually making a coffee) between them and the occasional meeting. My days are book-ended with shallow blocks of email and planning.

Within those periods of deep work, I ensure to alternate the following types of work:

  • reading/reviewing collaborator writing (and a group member’s thesis)
  • processing data and thinking about what it means
  • writing my own stuff - I am writing several papers, and putting together my DECRA application
  • editing my own stuff - I have two modes of work: ‘words on page’ to get the idea out. And then ‘editing’ to make it readable
  • learning new things - I am currently focussing on learning the material for a series of tutorials I am about to give, though these blocks would usually be devoted to reading literature on various topics

I want to emphasise that I still ensure I take breaks, and finish my work day with a shutdown ritual. With COVID-19 restrictions easing, I have also been able to enjoy leisure time sitting in the park. These ‘breaks from work’ are necessary to avoid burnout. I think that ‘breaks from the same type of work’ are also important in achieving highly productive days. I can only focus deeply for about 90 minutes. But I really struggle with performing three sessions of deep work that are too similar.

Breaks are important, both from work, and from the same type of work.