The Journey of a Software Engineer in Pursuit of Deep Work
Tags: deepwork, workingspace, softwareengineering
Published: 2023-10-25 03:07:05

*Deep Work - How It Differs in Reality* 

As a software engineer, I've been on a personal journey exploring the depths of the concept known as "Deep Work." Over the past four years, during which I've read hundreds of books, one book, in particular, has remained a constant companion in my pursuit of productivity: "Deep Work" by Cal Newport. In 2019 alone, I read it five times.

Deep Work, in essence, is a state of uninterrupted, highly focused work that results in the highest quality of output. It's the cornerstone of productivity in an age when distractions are rampant, especially in the realm of software development.

## The Evolution of Deep Work

Four years ago, it took me two to three weeks to write a short story of 5,000 words. Fast forward to the present, and within the same time frame, I can complete a 60,000-word book project. In 2021, there was a point where I wrote over 40,000 words in just eight days.

This transformation is a testament to the power of Deep Work in improving productivity. It has allowed me to read 70 to 100 books in a year while still finding time to write, exercise, and meditate.

## The Power of Deep Work in the 21st Century

In a world where high-quality human resources are scarce, especially in the ever-distracting age of the internet, Deep Work has become a superpower. The core tenet of Deep Work is simple: high-quality output equals the product of focus multiplied by time spent.

In this article, I'd like to share two fundamental aspects of Deep Work that I've discovered throughout my years of practice. These two key factors are the workspace and the optimal time for deep focus.

### The Crucial Role of Workspace

The workspace plays a crucial role in the practice of Deep Work. Modern open-plan offices, popularized by tech giants like Google and Facebook, have become the norm in the business world. The idea was that open spaces would foster creativity and interactions among employees, leading to breakthrough ideas and the company's growth.

However, Cal Newport, a computer scientist and the author of "Deep Work," argues against this notion. He believes that open spaces are breeding grounds for distractions, hindering deep focus. Instead, Newport advocates for small private rooms within open offices, providing individuals with a quiet space to immerse themselves in their work and then allowing them to rejoin the bustling environment for enhanced creativity and collaboration.

![The Crucial Role of Workspace](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/c9kxaeup32j76ofatbwj.jpeg)

Open offices have permeated work cultures globally, including in Vietnam, but people are yet to fully grasp the benefits and drawbacks of this setup. I've personally experienced the challenges of an open office when I had to visit a client's office for document editing. Despite being in the director's private office with two senior staff members, constant interruptions from messages, phone calls, and staff members with paperwork disrupted our concentration.

Each interruption caused us to lose precious time as we struggled to regain our focus. Even though the editing required significant changes, it could have been completed within two days had it not been for the distractions. Open spaces play a role in slowing down work efficiency, but what's even more critical is that most people haven't prioritized their tasks effectively.

The open workspace has its benefits, providing a comfortable environment for employees and fostering relaxation and communication. However, when deep focus is required for extended periods, the open workspace often becomes a hindrance.

### The Effects of Optimal Timing on Deep Work

In my journey, I've realized the significance of optimal timing for deep work. I used to stay up late, with my earliest bedtime being 2 AM. Some days, I'd stay awake until 3 or 4 AM, only to wake up hurriedly at 8:30 AM. On average, I'd sleep for only 5-6 hours each day over the years. Staying up late resulted in shorter days, making time slip away faster.

However, I've found that both morning and night are equally productive for deep work. Mornings provide a sense of freshness, allowing for a more relaxed start to the day. Nights, when dopamine in my brain is high enough to disrupt sleep, enable me to write over 5,000 words continuously before 4 AM.

![The Effects of Optimal Timing on Deep Work](https://images.unsplash.com/37/tEREUy1vSfuSu8LzTop3_IMG_2538.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=85&fm=jpg&crop=entropy&cs=srgb)

For most people, mornings are the ideal time for deep work. CEOs like Tim Cook of Apple and writers like Haruki Murakami swear by early mornings for their most productive hours. Murakami starts his writing routine at 4 AM, putting in 5-6 hours before most people have even started their day.

Even if you're not an early bird, gaining an extra hour or two each day to begin your deep work can significantly boost your productivity. In today's age of constant distractions, research has shown that human concentration is at an all-time low, with the maximum focus time for the average person being around 60 minutes.

By adjusting your sleep schedule to wake up at 4-5 AM, you can secure at least one hour of undisturbed, focused work before the world awakens. This is the time when your mind is fresh and full of energy, ideal for tackling complex tasks that demand deep concentration.

## Closing Thoughts

The journey to mastering Deep Work is not easy. It requires dedication, practice, and, above all, the realization that you can't remain productive in an environment filled with distractions. This realization will prompt you to take action and seek out the right workspace for your deep work sessions.

Understanding your optimal time for deep focus and adjusting your daily schedule accordingly will allow you to leverage this superpower for maximum productivity. Deep Work is not just a concept; it's a way of life that has the potential to transform your career and your personal life.

In conclusion, my pursuit of Deep Work has led to transformative productivity gains over the past four years. From struggling to write short stories to completing full book projects in a matter of weeks, the power of Deep Work has enabled me to read voraciously, write extensively, and maintain a balanced life.

This journey has taught me that mastering Deep Work requires finding the right workspace, understanding your optimal time for deep focus, and being unwavering in your commitment to this life-changing practice. It's a journey worth taking for anyone seeking to achieve more, create better, and live a life of focus and fulfillment.

***Story about work style from my close friend***