How to Finish a Week of Work in 1 Day | Full Deep Work Protocol

Summary

In this video, Maddie, a former medical doctor, shares a deep work protocol that has transformed her productivity. She outlines three key steps: preparation with a single clear goal, engagement using a focus checklist, and sustainment through endurance and energy management. This method has helped her achieve significant milestones while working less.

Takeaways

• 😀 The average person gets distracted every 11 minutes and takes 25 minutes to regain focus, leading to only about 2 hours of productive work in an 8-hour workday.
• 🚀 Using a deep work protocol can increase productivity by 400%, allowing more tasks to be completed in less time.
• 📈 Maddie, a former medical doctor, has used a deep work protocol to achieve significant milestones such as hitting a million subscribers on YouTube and launching Study Quest.
• 🎯 Step One of the deep work protocol is preparation, which involves setting a single clear goal and breaking it down into smaller tasks with clear objectives, timelines, and methods.
• 🔒 Prioritization is crucial in preparation; focusing on one goal at a time helps compound progress over time.
• 🗣️ Accountability is key in the preparation phase, with public accountability being more effective due to the psychology principle of cognitive dissonance.
• 🔍 The second step, engagement, involves using a five-step practice called the focus checklist (FOCUS) to quickly get into a state of deep work.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Sustaining focus is the final step, which involves maintaining an optimal level of arousal to stay focused and making adjustments when feeling bored or overwhelmed.
• 🏃‍♂️ Exercise, sleep, and diet are essential for sustaining energy and preventing burnout, supporting the deep work process.
• 🧠 Regular deep work can change the brain, making it easier to enjoy and be productive in focused tasks.

Q & A

What is the average time people get distracted after starting work?

On average, people get distracted after 11 minutes of work.

How long does it typically take to regain focus after being distracted?

It can take 25 minutes to regain focus after being distracted.

What is the main idea behind the deep work protocol discussed in the video?

The deep work protocol aims to maximize productivity by focusing on deep work, which can lead to a 400% increase in productivity.

Who is Maddie and what role does she play in the video?

Maddie is a former medical doctor who helps people learn and earn more by doing what they love. She has been using a deep work protocol for over a year and shares her experiences and insights in the video.

What is the significance of focusing on a single clear goal in the preparation step of the deep work protocol?

Focusing on a single clear goal is crucial as it ensures that 100% of your attention is dedicated to that goal, rather than splitting focus among multiple tasks, which can lead to less progress.

What are the three things to determine for each task in the preparation step?

The three things to determine for each task are: what the objective of the task is, when the task will be scheduled in the calendar, and how the specific actions will be taken to accomplish the objective.

Why is public accountability more effective according to the video?

Public accountability is more effective due to the psychology principle of cognitive dissonance, where people naturally want to be consistent with their identity and self-perception, making them more likely to follow through on their commitments.

What is the focus checklist and how does it help in engaging in deep work?

The focus checklist is a five-step practice designed to help individuals quickly get into a state of deep work. It includes familiar (doing a familiar ritual), objective (getting specific about the work), capture (keeping a notepad nearby), urgency (defining the work duration), and surroundings (removing distractions).

What is the role of endurance in the sustain phase of the deep work protocol?

Endurance in the sustain phase refers to how long one can focus before getting distracted. It is crucial to be aware of one's level of arousal and make adjustments to maintain optimal focus and performance.

What are the three habits mentioned in the video that can help sustain energy and prevent burnout?

The three habits mentioned are exercise, aiming for 8 hours of sleep each night, and maintaining a healthy diet by eliminating processed foods, sugar, and alcohol, and prioritizing nutrient-dense food and water.

How does the deep work protocol change the brain over time?

Regular deep work changes the brain by rewiring it to enjoy being focused and productive. The more deep work one does, the better they get at it and the more addicting it becomes.