We cannot deny the uproar of digital media in today's time. It has become so easy to get distracted now and then. A flashing message or a notification on your screen pulls your attention from something important. And we are juggling between our inboxes, work, chats, and fleeting conversations in no time. Why sacrifice productivity by getting stuck in the loop when we can channel our deep focus?
Sometimes, we spend an entire day writing a paper due for school or a presentation for the office. Unfortunately, we don't even realize how we keep bouncing back and forth between things that affect our productivity. Well, what can we do to contain it? Let us talk about deep-focus work and why it is essential today.
What do we mean by deep-focus work?
Indeed, the meaning is quite evident from the name itself. Cal Newport was the first to coin the term 'deep focus.' It implies the ability to concentrate on a task without interruptions. We can get any demanding tasks done in time by harnessing deep focus.
It is a powerful and critical tool, especially for students today. The world is more competitive than ever. In times like now, everybody prefers quality over quantity. Therefore, students must know that their productivity is subject to the quality of their effort. And the only way they get most of the work done in a day is by deep focus work.
If your children attend an international school in Mumbai, they are already in a competitive environment. That is a thriving condition for them, of course. However, to survive, they must know how to work smarter by maximizing their productivity!
We must draw a quick distinction between deep and shallow work. This will help in establishing the importance of deep focus. Answering your texts can be categorized as external work where you don't need to be mindful. However, your entire attention is necessary when working on a school assignment.
Developing deep focus is crucial if you seek excellence and creativity from your children. Spending uninterrupted time and focus is the aim!
What makes deep focus essential for success?
Today, everyone is conscious of work-life balance. This applies to both adults and children. Academic pressure is no joke, as we all know, right? So, how can students have an edge in their academic lives? Let us look into how deep work can enrich their lives and bring satisfaction-
- Boosts quality of work
It is difficult to focus on a single task when so many distractions are around. However, practicing deep focus can have an immense positive impact on work quality. Working more profoundly helps them learn lessons that children might find difficult.
- It is a rare quality
Today, people are more concerned about getting things done quickly. However, on the contrary, they cannot do what it takes. Sources show that roughly 60% of people in workplaces are shallow workers who focus on coordination rather than strategic deep work. But it does not have to be a rare thing. If students learn to streamline their tasks, make schedules with intention, and set norms, they can ensure deep work.
- It brings a sense of accomplishment
Being productive does feel good. Finishing tasks when they need to be done develops a sense of accomplishment. This is because deep work is related to 'flow.' Flow is a psychological state when task difficulty aligns perfectly with skills. This feels intrinsically rewarding, and often people need to catch up on time.
On a side note, neurological studies maintain that we perceive the world as we attend to it. So, in a deep focus state, we find more meaning in our tasks and see their importance.
People view success in different ways. However, the core requirements of it remain the same. People who find success in their lives have certain qualities in common. They put undivided attention to their passion and immerse themselves in work until they gain a sense of accomplishment. And surprisingly, in the end, they do find a work-life balance
So, when you decide to send your children to one of the best Cambridge schools in Mumbai, take one step closer to maximizing their potential. Such an international school in Mumbai focuses on all-round development,
How do you maintain deep focus?
Students, especially teenagers, get distracted quite easily. Well, it is a time of great curiosity. However, it is essential to know what requires attention more than others. It is a matter of habit development now that we have established the importance of deep-focus work. Keep in mind that the following can help children achieve maximum productivity-
- Async-first culture
Students are often required to work in groups for projects and assignments. Sometimes, they might need to catch up due to the diffusion of responsibility among team members. Async-first prevents individuals from relying solely on others for task completion. Sharing documents and schedules for work integration and lining up meetings ensures deep work.
- Scheduling and deep focus routine
It is important to have a routine. This process helps in making the most of a day. If students can get one hour of work uninterrupted, productivity will likely increase twofold. So work with your children to block an hour or two for deep work. Put off any gadgets and turn off notifications during that period.
- Reduce the number of interruptions
Students tend to take breaks during their work. It is, of course, a healthy process. However, monitoring the period of those breaks is also essential. If, while doing an assignment, you see them spending hours on the phone, then it is affecting their productivity. So, it is better to refrain from surfing the internet, especially social media, while working.
- No better way to master deep focus than to practice
Deep focus is something that children can only learn after a while. It requires patience and time. After all, practice makes you perfect. And the process requires unlearning 'bad habits' and inculcating 'good habits.' Children need to be mindful while doing their tasks. Being aware of their lessons helps in developing deep focus.
To Wrap Up
Cal Newport said, 'a deep life is a good life.' And parents can settle for nothing less for their children, can they? So, it is time for your kids to maximize their potential. It is more than just productivity. Taking up challenges and feeling empowered and energised is what deep focus brings to you.
So when you go for one of the best Cambridge schools in Mumbai, you unlock deep work for your kids. Your right choices get them to the right places!
