Deep Work Sprints are a technique that I created to produce the optimal environment and mindset for improving and getting things done on a daily basis.
This simple method doubled the amount of creative and business work I get done each year.
You can apply this technique to any type of work; creative, business, or personal.
It will help you to be more productive & improve quickly at anything you’re working on.
How & Why I Designed This Technique
Deep Work (read the book) is a method that forces you to physically remove all distractions from your surroundings and work on one specific task for a 2-hour block of time, then repeat.
Sprints are a technique used within the Agile Project Management System.
I combined my favorite aspects of both systems, with a few of my own methods, then named the technique Deep Work Sprints.
Deep Work Sprints break the day up into three, two-hour work sprints.
Each sprint is separated by a 10 to 20 minute active break.
I’ll discuss the specific step by step method below.
The Most Important Outcomes
OUTCOME 1: Working in pre-set allotments of time produces a sense of accomplishment, which can be hard to find with undefined working hours or undefined daily task lists that never end. Pre-determined work time also gives you an end goal to aim for which isn’t tied directly to work output. Every day you work, you accomplish a goal, no matter what!
OUTCOME 2: Forcing active breaks allows you to step back from the work and ensure you’re always moving in the most important & efficient direction. Each break is a short mental meeting with yourself. During these active breaks, my brain usually solves problems that I was stuck on while doing the actual work.
OUTCOME 3: Forcing activity also gets the blood moving to your brain & reduces the stress and anxiety that can come from long days of mental processing and creative work. This allows you to work more efficiently, have higher output, and make better decisions.
Here’s the process…
My Daily Work Schedule Breakdown
I have an actual checklist used to complete these tasks each day.
A checklist removes any unwanted thinking & allows all mental processing to go towards getting things done that matter to me.
Daily Startup Routine:
- Wake up: Personally, the time doesn’t matter to me, but 7.5 to 8 hours of sleep is a requirement. Usually, I wake up between 5:30 & 8AM.
- Coffee & read for 30 minutes.
- 20 minutes of meditation: Meditation is scientifically proven to improve concentration ability and reduce stress. Reducing stress improves decision making and decreases mental & physical fatigue.
- Miracle Morning Routine: I was very skeptical about this at first. It actually proves to be one of the most important steps in my day.
- 20-30 minute walk or run, either will work: The goal is to get the blood moving to the brain. This is when I think about what I need to work on for the day, as outlined below.
- Select 1-2 tasks which are most important to accomplish for the day: These should be power multipliers. Note, I said 1 or 2, not 10! By selecting a reasonable amount of work each day, then completing it, you’ll always finish the day with a sense of accomplishment instead of failure. You can always come back and select more work if need be. Not getting everything done always feels bad. Getting more done than you planned always feels great! Feeling accomplished sets you up to keep putting in the work, day after day.
Deep Work Sprint 1:
- Turn off all phone & internet distractions: I recommend putting your phone in another room if possible. (Freedom App, lifetime subscription, changed my life)
- Set a 2-hour countdown timer with a loud alarm & make sure it’s out of sight. This keeps you from looking at the leftover time every 10 minutes.
- Deep Work Sprint 1: Select your biggest power multiplier task and work on it, without distraction, for the next 2 hours. The first 15 minutes are the hardest. Once you’re into the flow of working, things get way easier. During the entire time, you will want to check your phone, social media, or an array of other distractions that keep you from being prolific. Over time, you will become better and better at working for 2 hours, without distraction. You’ll be surprised at how much you get done with 2 hours of distraction-free work. You’ll also be surprised at how accomplished this makes you feel after you’re done!
- 10-20 minute walk, jog, or meditation: If I’m physically sluggish I’ll choose to walk or run. If I’m mentally scattered, meditation works best. This break allows you to determine what’s most important to work on next. Without this break, I find myself making mistakes, working on the wrong thing, or easily getting distracted during the next round of Deep Work Sprints.
Deep Work Sprint 2:
- Determine what’s most important to work on next: A good question to ask yourself is, “If I only get this one thing done will I feel accomplished today?”.
- Set 2-hour timer per the steps above.
- Deep Work Sprint 2: This takes the same form as Deep Work Sprint 1. I highly recommend reading the book, Deep Work. It’s a game-changer.
- Optional coffee
- Light lunch of 300-500 calories max. If I eat more I find that my energy and concentration levels drop. Test it out on your own.
- 10-20 minute walk, run, or meditation per the steps above.
Deep Work Sprint 3:
This sprint takes the same form as the ones above, so I won’t explain fully.
- Determine what to work on next per the tips above.
- Set 2-hour timer.
- Deep Work Sprint 3.
- Guaranteed coffee
I’ll discuss why I don’t do more than 3 deep work sprints below…
Mental Processing & Running Routine
This is one of the most important aspects of my day. It allows my mind to separate from work, solve problems, and process information.
The goal is to push my heart rate to the point where I can’t think about all the other stuff in life or work, only breathing and running. Any workout will do, but I find 1-2 hours of hard cardio, running in the woods, to work the best.
I find 30 minutes of hard cardio is the minimum time needed to produce the desired outcome.
During this time my brain automatically processes the work from the day and produces ideas on what needs to be added, fixed or updated, next.
While running, I make voice recordings, into my phone (Evernote), to ensure these ideas don’t slip away.
During the following shutdown routine, I can integrate these ideas into the next day of work.
If you can’t run, take a walk or a bike ride. Prolonged movement & increased heart rate are the key!
Daily Shutdown Routine
This routine allows you to easily start work the next day, without the dreaded tasks of organizing or doing “busy work”, first thing in the morning.
Here’s What I Do:
- Review new ideas from the run and makes notes so they easily integrate into the next day’s work schedule.
- Make any other notes on work from the current day, so there isn’t confusion on what was completed, or where I need to pick up for the next day.
- Organize files on computer & Evernote.
- Ensure that my desk & home office are organized, with everything in place, prior to closing the door for the evening.
A Few More Things to Consider
I find 3 deep work sprints to be sufficient for a days work.
6 hours of uninterrupted work is more than most people will get done in 2-3 days at an office filled with distractions. If you work at an office, reference the Deep Work book for ways to remove distractions.
Some days I only get 1-2 sprints done. The goal is to find the right personal balance between getting a lot of important work done and burnout.
If you’re burnt out you can’t work at a high level to your full capacity.
For this reason, it’s great to track your deep work sprints on a tally over your desk.
Doing so you can see the number of deep work sprints you complete each week.
My running average is 28 hours of Deep Work per week.
You’ll be surprised how much you get done in that time.
Experimenting with 4 sprints a day, I became burnt out and wasn’t ready to start work the next day.
By selecting the right kind of work, depending on my mood and energy, it’s easy to work on something, every day, without taking days off.
Hi Everyone,
I’d love to hear your own personal methods or thoughts on this topic.
Leave me a comment & we can discuss.
Dave
Very good targets – 2 hours works and a few per day sounds reasonable.
Setting achievable guidelines and getting rid of distractions (like being distracted by your article!), are likely the keys to getting to the task.
Thanks, Stuart.
The distractions are a big deal. They don’t seem to be until they are removed. Then you realize how much they are taking away from the actual work.
Let me know how it goes.
Dave
Interesting and fascinating article Dave with great advice. With a vacation coming up, I have Deep Works on my reading list and look forward to finding out more about the topic. Used to think that working to deadlines was my best way of focusing the mind and to complete work, but realised it was counter productive and damaged creativity. Thanks again for the article and certainly will take on board your comments
all the best
Jim
You’re welcome, Jim.
Hopefully, you really enjoy that book.
I still find deadlines to be highly useful. I make new deadlines every 3 days, then “sprint” to complete them.
These are usually self-created deadlines, but they help to increase work output.
Glad you liked the article.
Dave
Dave, I love your photography and this blog. I think all this advice is fantastic for someone in your very specific line of work who makes their own hours and has their entire day to focus on their routine and their work. For many people who have a full-time job and families it can be very difficult to stick to a regimented routine especially when our schedules can change on a day-to-day basis based on kids activities, etc. This is not to say that someone in that situation cannot glean some very useful advice from what you’re saying, but that we all have to find our own means to get our dedicated work hours and our workouts in. Personally, I’ve taken to getting my runs in either during my lunch break or later in the evening after my kids are in bed. I’ve tried morning runs and just find that my body is not ready for that level of activity right when I wake up. So, I’ve been working on doing meditation in the morning instead. I guess what I’m saying is that we should all strive to find what works for us but posts like this are a great starting place for thinking about how we prioritize the things that are important with regards to our work and health.
Hi Jon,
Thanks!
Designing your own routine is key.
Read Deep Work, it discusses methods for 9-5 jobs & how to talk your manager into letting you do it through logical justifications of getting more work done.
It also has a bunch of other techniques which I didn’t list in this article.
Dave
Some really important key points there, and as always the quality and clarity of content that’s always found in your work and posts. Thank you. Great work.
Thanks, Valentin.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Dave
Really want to thank you for inspiring me to read the Miracle morning. Definitely a life changer and my top favorite book from your recommendations so far.
You try the ice cold showers in your routine yet?
One month into 100% full blast cold showers & there are good odds I might never take a hot shower again.
Anytime man. Happy to help.
haha. I’ve done them, but need to force them on a regular routine. Will give it another go though. Thanks for the recommend.
Would love to have an Ice Bath dunk tank & sauna, but it seems unreasonable.
Dave
Great blog post Dave, thanks for sharing, awesome content as usual.
You’re welcome, Nick.
Take care,
Dave
Thanks for sharing this with me I will definitely try out this techniques
Cool. Let me know how it goes, Okiror.
Have fun,
Dave
Clear and concise as usual. I’m pretty productive but definitely can use a reboot in discipline procedures.
Thanks, Dean.
I’m always looking for a reboot as well. The techniques evolve over time.
I’ll have more articles along these lines.
Let me know how this method goes for ya.
Take Care,
Dave
This is unbelievably helpful and I can’t wait to start this process.
Thanks for everything you do Dave. Your making a true impact to thousands of lives (if not more).
Hi Paul,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You’re welcome buddy.
Writing helps me to clarify my thoughts as well, so it’s a win win.
Let me know how the technique works for you.
Dave
Thanks Dave, you’re an inspiration for sure. I really like this idea and will give it a try! Thanks mate 👍
You’re welcome, Gaz.
Let me know how it goes!
Dave
Absolutely fantastic! I’m on it.
Glad to hear it, Thomas.
Let me know how it goes for you.
Dave
Thanks Dave.
Great advice. I’ll certainly give it a go. Some days I find I haven’t moved from the computer for hours. Usually editing or sorting photos.
You’re welcome, Clare.
Have fun!
Dave
I enjoyed reading your blog Dave and found that I could easily relate to your work practices. In my opinion one of the major factors to success in achieving working efficiency is the removal of distractions (a clear desk / environment is a clear mind). Also agree (mind rejuvenating) exercising is a key building block but regrettably a lot of people will struggle with this aspect until the benefits become obvious. I look forward to reading your next blog.
Hi Brian,
Thanks buddy.
I completely agree with you on the organization.
You may enjoy the book, Getting Things Done, by David Allen. It’s my go to for all process/organization. https://amzn.to/2zny6åpF
In terms of exercising, I guess that’s their loss then. It still blows my mind how people skip on that part thinking there is no downside. Gotta keep the machine in top shape:)
Talk soon & thanks for your thoughts.
Dave
That makes a lot of sense Dave, I am certainly going to try to incorporate some of those ideas into my work where I can – thank you.
I find if I have pop-ups on my computer I can easily get distracted, and not get things done, this may be the way around that.
Thanks for the post. Not only useful for creative work, but real life. I’m going to share with some non photographer friends. What is so different about your videos is the fact that you are genuinely authentic. Success, failures, fears – the whole lot. Your authenticity makes your suggestions, insights and observations so much more powerful. Setting up for power sprints tomorrow. Thanks again.
Hi Julia,
Thanks. I really appreciate that.
There are too many people making stuff that doesn’t come from them, but from what they think people want them to be. Social media and status created this game.
Sounds like a terrible way to spend a short life.
Really glad you like the blog.
Dave
Hi Dave,
This couldn’t have come at a better time for me – Thank you! I find myself at a junction where I am so busy I am having a hard time finding the time for the things I enjoy – like photography. So on a whim, instead of cutting something out, I have added a fitness routine which takes even more time, thinking that it will help with clearer thought, greater energy, and the absolute need to be more efficient. Hopefully I will find more free time than what I am sure I was wasting before. I would love to hear more of your thoughts on the subject. Must find my copy of Deep Work again too. I love reading your Blog!
~Charlene
Hi Charlene,
I think adding a fitness routine was a great idea. That’s essential.
To actually get the stuff done that matters most I always have to cut out things that are somewhat important. The hard part is determining what’s essential and what’s just important.
You’ll have to cut out important stuff. It’s part of the game.
On my wall there is a note I wrote, “Accept background chaos. It’s the cost of building what matters”.
Check out the book Essentialism. It will help with this. https://amzn.to/2KZowzY
Have fun & keep heading in the right direction.
Dave
Sounds good Dave, seems to make sense to me so I”lol give it a crack and let you know how I get on, on a photographic journey around Australia at the moment so it will have to wait till I get back home.
Cheers
John
Sounds good, John.
Thanks for reading.
Have fun shooting over there.
Dave
Great read all the way through, Dave!
Thanks!
Anytime, buddy. Glad you enjoyed it.
Dave
The idea of productivity and how intensely to pursue it is an interesting question. The most interesting/intense version I’ve seen is the stuff Dr Piotr Wozniak does. Where he has his scheduele blocked out for years in advanced it seems. You can also make big gains by first getting your health in order(sleeping/food/ect).
https://supermemo.guru/wiki/Planning_a_perfect_productive_day_without_stress
My question to you would be how do you have a productive day/salvage a day when you had a bad night?(slept bad).
Hey Nick,
I’ll check out your link. Looks interesting.
In terms of working on days where there was bad sleep the night before.
In my task / project management system I use energy tags for each task. This way on bad days I can knock out low energy tasks. This is also great for doing stuff at the end of the day when your mind is burnt out but you still want to get stuff done. These are simple, E1, E2, E3. 1 Being highest.
Hope that helps,
Dave
Nice blog (first one, as I usually followed you only on YouTube).
Lots of interesting reads, in the blog and also in the comments.
I look forward for the next ones.
Thank you
Hey Bodhi, Good to hear from you!
Glad you like the blog. Thanks for checking it out.
There is lots of good stuff on my photography website too, in terms of written articles.
https://www.davemorrowphotography.com/2013/01/tutorials-photography-post-processing.html
Enjoy,
Dave
Dave
There are some great, actionable points in here. For me, getting the work done is not necessarily the problem – I can work for long periods being productive if I am clear on the project I am dealing with. I guess the issue for me is defining these projects in the first place. Writing notes doesn’t seem to help – I need a clear mental picture of how this project interconnects with my other work in order to actually work on it. Producing this mental map doesn’t happen in downtime – I have to be actively thinking to produce it – so the question is how do I best define time periods to create this?
Tim
Hey Tim,
That’s the hardest part for myself as well.
Two books which includes frameworks, which I use & recommend.
1. Getting Things Done by David Allen. I use this method to run everything I do in life.
2. Essentialism by Greg McKeown. I use this method to clarify what actually matters long term.
The books work together, but start with Getting Things Done.
Enjoy!
Dave
Hi Dave, I have read Deep Work and also feel it is a game changer, even though the concept is so obvious and simple! I have also read The One Thing, another great book that I believe lines up with your Power Multiplier concept. I work in a very distracting and inefficiently run office, and employing the techniques you describe is making a huge improvement in getting meaningful things finished.
Thank you Dave .. You are an effective teacher
Thanks buddy.
Dear Dave,
I’ve tried to put your ideas into practice, and found that they help a lot. Especially the focused two hour work stretches without the usual distractions. Doing a walk or yard work in between helps a lot also. I find that two work blocks is about what I can manage in a day, so that is good enough for me. The end of the day organization routine is helpful too.
Thanks again
Very interesting blog entry. Keep up the good work. I love reading your philosophies of life and about your photographic adventures.
Thanks so, really glad you enjoyed it!
Take care,
Dave
Totally agree! Im a mountain/trail runner and this is my BEST time for brainstorming – no music just silence …2 hours fly by!