Making time for deep thinking and deep work is essential for leadership effectiveness. This means scheduling time each day (or week) to focus on your most important tasks without interruption. Intentionally setting aside this time makes a huge difference in your ability to lead others effectively, come up with creative solutions to problems, and manage yourself and your thoughts productively. So if you’re looking to take your career to the next level, make time for deep thinking and deep work!
What is deep thinking at work?
Deep thinking at work is a process that allows for creative ideas and useful plans to emerge. It’s a chance to reflect on events and how you responded rather than simply reacting. This type of thinking is vital for leaders as it allows them to be more effective and make better decisions. It can also be helpful in problem-solving and managing yourself and your thoughts.
Deep thinking at work is a mental process that involves taking a step back and examining an issue or problem from multiple angles. It’s a way of exploring all possible solutions to a problem, and it requires focus and concentration.
Why is making time for deep thinking or deep work critical for career success?
There is a false narrative playing on repeat in professionals’ minds around the globe. The narrative says that as long as we are actively contributing, rapidly processing information, and executing tangible tasks, we are productive. Consequently, thinking, indulging in quiet time, and reflecting aren’t contributing and effectively waste time.
Making time for deep thinking at work is essential for career success because it allows you to explore all of the different possible solutions to a problem. It also requires focus and concentration, which are necessary skills for anyone looking to succeed in their career. If you’re able to think deeply about problems, you’ll be more effective in finding solutions and leading others. So if you’re looking to take your career to the next level, make time for deep thinking!
What are some benefits of deep thinking for your career?
The benefits of deep thinking for your career are vast. By taking the time to engage in deep thinking at work, you’ll be able to develop innovative solutions to problems, make better decisions, and become a more effective leader.
Deep thinking at work allows you to reflect on events and examine them from different angles, giving you a more holistic understanding of what’s happening. This can help you respond more effectively to challenges and opportunities.
Deep thinking at work also allows you to reflect on your own assumptions and knowledge and reconsider them in light of new information. This can help you develop a more well-rounded perspective and make better decisions.
Lastly, deep thinking at work can help you better understand yourself and your thought processes, leading to greater self-awareness and improved productivity.
How can you make time for deep thinking in your busy workday?
Making time for deep thinking at work can be a challenge, but it’s worth it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Schedule time for thinking each day.
This may be during your commute or the workday. First, dedicate this time to deep thinking about your work, the problems you are solving, and your goals. Then, allow yourself to be completely uninterrupted.
Some time ago, I realized my Fridays were free of meetings. So, I intentionally blocked my calendar with a reoccurring meeting for deep thinking time at work. Instead, my Fridays are for wrapping up loose ends, reflecting on the week, and preparing for the next. As a result, I’ve made several improvements to processes and take time to recognize the contributions of others. Even more, I stay focused on my most critical and demanding tasks.
2. Make use of technology to help you focus.
There is no shortage of distractions that prevent you from deep thinking at work. Alerts bombard us for new emails, communication tools, and random people barging into your cubical. So if you find yourself getting distracted by those alerts, disable them or close the programs. Here are some more tips:
- Change your status to show yourself offline
- Disable new email alerts
- Put your office phone on DND
- Turn off your mobile device
3. Take a walk for deep thinking at work.
Use your lunch break, or force yourself to take one and go for a walk. Allow your mind to wander as you wander around the office park. I’ve started arriving to work and taking a 30-minute walk before going into the office. My morning walk has allowed me to process the previous day and deeply explore the challenges I need to solve that day. A brisk walk increases your heart rate and oxygen levels, which helps your mind gain clarity.
4. Welcome boredom.
If you’re like me, any downtime you come across gets quickly consumed by your mobile device. So instead, refamiliarize yourself with boredom and use the time for deep thinking at work.
5. Take breaks
I’m guilty of not taking breaks outside of my 1-hour lunch. Breaks allow your mind to rest and recharge before your deep thinking time at work. Use your breaks for social media and gossip at the water cooler. As a result, you won’t waste energy resisting your talkative coworker or the urge to catch up on social media.
How does deep thinking help increase your productivity at work?
Deep thinking is an integral part of productivity. When you take the time to focus on a problem or task and allow your mind to wander, you’re more likely to come up with creative solutions. By contrast, you’re less likely to get anything done when you’re constantly reacting to stimuli and putting out fires.
Intentionally scheduling time for deep thinking at work can hugely impact your career success. By taking the time to reflect on events and issues rather than simply reacting to them, you’ll find yourself in a better position to lead effectively and solve problems creatively. Deep thinking is not a luxury reserved for the C-Suite. Instead, it’s essential for anyone looking to succeed in their career.
