What helps you prepare for a deep work session? Things that help you look forward to doing this daily?

Well, good question, for me is to know what I am going to face.
If you get other answers I would like to know, I need more motivation on this part

I prep all the stuff I will need for the session so I don't have to get up halfway through. I make sure to have water and snacks. Also I listen to a playlist on spotify for concentration

What I am working towards is something I’m very passionate about and enjoy doing. As an artist it brings me great joy to learn new techniques or have an amazing new piece complete. What are you deeply passionate about? What activities or result could easily put you in a good mood? Once you have these it’s so much easier to focus and work deeply.
I don’t think I could do this challenge just for the sake of it.
Hope that helps!

I have a todo list notebook that I adore. I often find it easier to get work done in my deep work session if I write down what I need to do the day before, so that day when I do deep work I know exactly what to do and not have to worry. I also make sure I’m not hungry during my deep work session so I can get work done!

I feel great after giving all of my attention to 1 thing and completing it with no distractions. I also do it first thing in the morning, before I check my phone, turn on the tv, etc. It's a great way to start the day!!!

I haven't been preparing. Once the alarm rings for the deep work session I just stop everything else and focus on that task I want to accomplish at that particular time. If I'm at work, I choose a difficult task that requires focus. If I'm at home I get some of the chores that I don't like to do much done.

First I make sure the area I’m going to be spending my work time is neat and tidy. If I don’t do that I will be very anxious and easily distracted. Then I really have to organize my most important tasks I’d like to work on during my deep work session.
I’ll list my tasks according to difficulty and effort. I tend to work on the easiest task first and start the most difficult second. I will finish my time with the secondary task last.

Since I'm still at university I need to be quite organised about this. I just set myself time when will I start and get going 🙂

Knowing WHY you want to do something, WHEN it is required by and Prioritizing it over all other tasks provide a good platform to engage in deep work session. Often, if I don't feel motivated or a sense of urgency to get something done, I find it very easy to let myself get distracted by anything and everything.

To not getting lost in schedule, and to focusing on what I really want in life, I start the deep work session. Wish I could really make it be done daily. 🙂

Favourite tea, switching off all notifications, do not disturbed sign, favourite music to adjust my current energy. If I feel lazy, I would choose something energetic, upbeat, if overly excited, then music is slightly relaxing. Balanced mood is important for staying focused.

For me, I open my journal and set a goal for myself mentally (decide what task then think about the first steps: okay, so I will work on the translation for Eirini. I need to reread the email for any specific instructions, open the file in memsource, get out my notebook for any questions that come up as I work and to note any terminology… I get everything ready and set a timer). And then I work until the timer ends. Then I fill in one checkbox for my pomodoro next to the task name (I have a master checkbox to the left to indicate done/ turned in and a series of checkboxes to the right of the task to show progress).

Coffee, water and to do list. No mobile phone or access to any social media.
30 mins of focus then a mini break which makes me able to refresh and focus again!

Decide what you would like to work on the day before. Set up your workspace, or set aside the materials needed. Set a time and get to work. After your session, repeat.

My preparation is simple. I think about what is needed to be done, write it down as todo list..
I look forward to fulfill the todo list all day. It is soo satisfying!

Well i try to set small goals for the day… if i have a lot of tasks, i try to concentrate on finishing at least one or advancing it considerably during that day, so my focus is on that one task. Usually it also depends on the priority of each task.

I always clean the space I'm going to be working in FIRST. If you do it every day it's not that much. But the look and feel of a clean desk, or clean table, is really satisfying and motivating.

Im trying to leave all the good stuff to last, so first i revise and then i do something fun as a break. This helps keep me motivated because im looking forward to doing that "fun thing" and i'll revise more efficiently and plus i wont tire myself out because im having breaks too.

For me it's hard to do something that's deep work if everything is done. But I just think about it as prepping for the day. Making my bed, doing yoga, eating breakfast and then getting ready for work. Those 25 min of doing those tasks help me get ready for the day.

– Setting aside time to do so.
– Having a special notebook, just for that.
– Determining before time what your going to do on your deep work sessions.
– Creating a chart to check off the days you did the deep work or putting a sticker on your planner
– Rewarding yourself when you do it

A nice cup of hot beverage, my clock at the side ,my music with headsets usually YouTube playlist) ,water and always no matter a book just in case i got bored , my phone …i know its the biggest obstacle and a huge distraction tool but i need it as a timer tool (I use apps to count productivity hours) …

I think about my integrity and how I would like to increase my dependability. Then I look at my expenses and think of my new bathroom I want and know I had better get “off and in” . My deep work right now is centered around my paying job.

I make a to-do list, set a timer for work sessions, play lo-fi beats, and make my workspace warm and cozy. Marking off the list is sooo satisfying!

Start small. That’s key. I used to procrastinate and leave important but challenging things for the last minute. It was a habit. As i kept pushing my work for later, the anxiety built up because i had left time to do it, and sometimes it became overwhelming. I realized that doing small work sessions daily was more manageable than trying to do all the work in one or two days. Now back to your question. You must create a habit of doing your work sessions. Think that if you don’t do it when you need to, the work will be greater next time, and it will make you feel worse. Or maybe you’r working on a promotion or developing a skill. Whatever it is, the consequences of not doing it now will make you feel worse than the thought of doing your work session now does. Believe in yourself! 🙂

Finding some relaxing music, and making sure you’re energised before by doing exercise, having a good breakfast then showering and dressing.

I create a space where I have a big enough surface to work on. I also need peace and quiet for that. I separate my work into smaller tasks and visualize myself accomplishing them. Meditating, exercising and having a healthy meal before working also helps. I'm chronically ill, so one of the main points for me is to make myself comfortable and have everything I need close by. I also buy or make healthy snacks to munch on during work.

I make sure the kitchen and my desk are clean. I can’t stand it when there’s clutter around me. I turn out the lights so that only my lamp and computer are lit. I get myself a beverage. I use the restroom. The I pick some sort of background music or noise, usually something like white noise. Then I plant a tree in the Forest app and get to work!

For prepare me for a deep work session, at first, I prepare a to do list to visualize all I have to do and the priorities (I usually start form what I dislike most 😅 so the next are less stressful and with more pleasure). Then I listen some Alpha Waves music for concentration and I turn off the phone or I use the airplane mode. Then I check from the to do list every work when I finished it to see my progress.

Hope to help. ~Clara

Step one for me is to give myself a 15 minute warning to clear out the distractions. That means 15 minutes to close my email inbox! I get myself a drink and like a five year old going on a car trip make a visit to the restroom. Step two is to take a deep breath and dive in. I pick something that I can knock out in the window I’ve given to deep work to set myself up to succeed

Knowing how good it feels to start the day off accomplishing a task, especially one you may have been putting off. When you think of the amount of time in a work day and how much you can really get done in 25 minutes of deep work, it makes getting started much easier.

I like to organize even the smallest detail to concentrate on my activity, to have everything prepared so I don’t to have any interruptions.

I really like listening to calm music. I like to Google Celtic flute music on YouTube, it helps me think! As for helping you look forward to it, I usually give myself a small reward when I’m done such as a candy, or watch a funny YouTube video or two.

I stretch a bit just to remind myself that I can really do this.. To wake up my mind.. And then is just a matter of daily routine

I have a routine that I complete before doing my deep work session. I first update my planner to reflect the day's events. I then check my Google tasks and Google calendar to see any tasks or events that I have scheduled. These two things really help me plan ahead and efficiently use my time. Then I choose 1 or 2 important tasks to complete during the day. By doing this before my deep work session, I know exactly where I should use my time.

I like to make deep work a ritual. 1) You can set up a workspace that you only use for deep work, or else just before you start, clear your usual workspace of all the distractions and clutter relating to other projects (anything you aren’t working on that session). I make the space inviting with some instrumental music or a cup of coffee or a motivational quote, etc. 2) Start the session by pausing to make a plan/task list for just that session. It helps me to set a focused intention, but it also helps me take a moment to slow down and snap out of the stress from earlier in the day and get prepared to concentrate. All this can make my deep work session feel like a welcome bubble in the day when I get to just spend my energy on the work that is important to me (instead of running around taking care of the things other people need). Some days it even feels like “me” time!

i definetly have water by my side, and all the books, markers & pencils. first i just prepare everything around me and then start doing my homework. after that, i write into my journal, and then start studying. i study for 30 mins and then rest for 5 minutes (go to bathroom, drink water etc.) after that i study again for 30 mins and then rest for 5 mins. i do that 4 times, so i basically study for 2 hours. it actually depends how many subjects i have to study. after studying, i pack my bag and prepare my clothes for the upcoming day. also, i like to meditate after i study because it really helps me to relax. hope i helped x

A place where I'm not needed for anything else,
Order of the objects around me,
Psychological safety or a sense of it,
A timer for my session,
Ticking of some tasks beforehand,
A framed objective for the session

If a recent previous session went well I look forward to doing it again.

Eso me cuesta mucho trabajo por que procastino mucho, tengo que tener una necesidad real para lograr terminar un trabajo: una fecha de entrega por lo general.

It helps that I have taken time off from school to do self care. Part of that is exploration of identity, truma nd healing. Within those topics is the inspiration, and launching position of my deep work.

Doing deep work require you to be truthful in your introspection, even if you dont like it and look at why it is that way, where those ideas, ideologies or beliefs came from and whether they re still relevant as you move forward. If not what changes need to be made, and how you go about that, can now be explored.

There are some days , I dont want to do deep work. Maybe the day has brought its own challenges , if so I look forward to doing something different. Usually some sort of positve affirmations, taking in the beauty around me, journal writing gratitude and coloring or creating.

I start with something easy, so I don’t get frustrated and unmotivated before I even start. Then once I’ve started working it’s much easier to continue onto the next, more difficult thing.

Curiosity of what i will work on and thinking of how fullfilled confident i will feel about my work if I do it with more care

Since the start of this year I have been actively trying to change my mindset about how I see things and the perspective with which I look at them, because I find that this really affects my mood. I’ve found that once I start a streak of productivity I feel more motivated to keep going. You need to find some kind of responsibility in what you are doing and accept the fact that if you don’t hustle now, you won’t get it done later! No one is going to do this for you. It is incredibly hard at times to motivate myself to work but I try my best because I remember how happy I’ll feel when I achieve success with what I am doing. The worst thing to feel is regret for not starting sooner.

The most motivering thing is that I know it will help me to have more focus in the future when I really need it. When it will make a difference to get soothing done in the right matter. Also to keep me focused longer. I have the luck that I already can lose myself for hour's if I need to. But writing distractions down on paper helps me to get a clear picture of what is really distracting me if I don't want too. And think of options to get rite of them in a later moment so they can't district mee again

Starting with the thing i dont want to do because then i wont have to dread it all day. Its like giving myself a better day just by getting it done

I do not prepare for the tasks at hand. Rather my preparation is observing myself and how easily I am distracted by others. Observing this makes me naturally look forward to the dee session of work and see how productive I will be.

Get everything you need assembled in a clear space. Take care of anything that might interrupt you before you start, like empty your bladder, get a cup of coffee or water, tell your coworkers you are not to be disturbed and put up a sign that says Do Not Disturb available at X time whatever it is, eliminate the shiny objects, put your phone on no notifications, set a timer for 90 minutes and get started. Outline what you are going to do in steps and start at the top.

1) I think about the feeling I have during and after the session. Knowing that I am creating something worthwhile or moving closer toward completing a project gets me motivated to begin

Create a to do list for sure is the main thing that helps me get exited for my work sessions. Knowing what I have to do, setting a certain time frame for each subject allows me to clearly identify that I am being productive. And also crossing stuff off my to do list is simply the best feeling.

My deep work session is a way to share how my day went with myself. When I think of why I keep doing it I think that I am worthy of the time I put into the action of getting deep.

Having a quite environment, motivational background soundtrack with low volume, keeping your phone and social media away, resisting against instincts that forces to stand up or distracts you with sweet dreams

Making a list of what I know needs to get done before the days ends
Making sure I have a space alone with no distractions
Putting my work and personal cell on silent

I do one first thing when I arrive at work. I find that it sets the tone for my day, and keeps me from sliding into easy tasks like checking email. I love tea, so I make a large glass so I have it when I sit down.

Getting my coffee and water. Sitting down to my desk and putting the dogs out. If I have everything I need within reach the session goes much better and I’m less tempted to get up

Right now I'm in need to be able to concentrate than ever. I have to build a habit of concentrating to succeed in my study and also have time for my personal life

Sometimes music just helps me get in the zone. It depends on what I’m doing. Some ambient music if I need to study or focus, or some upbeat music if I need to workout or do something I don’t like that much

Always making sure to complete my morning rituals, staying hydrated and eating properly in the morning, blocking out the time to ensure no distractions is key!

I write my intention to do deep work into my to-do list the night before. This sets to intention for the whole day and gives me time to mentally prepare. It also helps that my usual deep work place is my dining table, which has a pretty view overlooking the garden.

Prepare yourselves and your surroundings: go to the bathroom, prepare a cup of tea or coffee, have water bottle at ready. Put on your favourite music and set your phone to silent if you can. Have a clear desk with just one list of paper to mark distractions.

I actually don't look forward to deep work, lol. I have to prepare and set my mind up for the process or when the message pops up I'm not motivated. If I've put it on my to-do list plus the Fab reminder then I'm more apt to get it done with a positive mindset.

I have MS so the biggest thing for me is physical energy and psychological motivation both which are greatly enhanced by the feeling of love and quiet show of support.

I turn off my internet connections and sometimes turn on my studying playlists. I make sure I won't be disturbed or, if I'm carrying out an experiment and will almost certainly be disturbed, I'll make sure I've got everything ready for when my participant comes out. I find the work I'm going right now quite rewarding as is.

I make a list of the things I want to accomplish. If I can’t get everything done then I push it on to my next deep thinking session. I look forward to getting things done!!!

Keep one factor constant to look forward to. I sit down with a cup of coffee everyday which is something I look forward to sit down for deep work.

Getting the to-do list set before hand kind of gets me pumped. Let’s me know that I have a plan once the deep work starts.

I write down all the things that I have to do, even the smallest ones. After close all unnecessary apps, put my phone in DnD mode, start to listen to the focus soundtrack in the Endel app, and set the timer a 25 min sprint.

Noting down which task I will complete helps me look forward to working deeply. Every time I remember needing to take the next step on my project, I look forward to the dedicated time I have set aside for it. I like to have a cup of my favourite tea too, as a reward.

I have a bullet journal where I write down my to-do lists. It helps me quantify what I need to get done at any particular time. If I happen to have a large gap between classes, it sometimes helps me when I block off hours to do a particular task. I clean up my work space before I start, because I tend to get distracted more easily if it's cluttered. I also have a 3-tier reward system as additional motivation to finish my work. There's a reward for the most important task, the secondary "should" tasks and the "if I can get there" mini tasks. That way it gives me a little push to get as many things done as possible. That's just my recommendation, you don't have to do all of this. I just have particular combination of things that get me on the ball in the afternoon to get everything done before midnight.

For me, getting started is hardest. Once I get going, I actually enjoy it, and I love the feeling of accomplishment after. So I have my desk set up so it's super easy, I can just plug my laptop into the monitor and it's all ready to go. And I remind myself that it's only 25 min, and imagine the satisfaction of knowing that I've at least gotten started working on something early in the day.

My deep work is getting my schoolwork for UMA completed. I feel behind because I kept getting colds the flu from others and now I'm getting myself together with the Fabulous App. I'm also doing the habit of study and learn.

To be honest, my deep work sessions are really bad. I am having problems concentrating and keeping focus. It helps to take a walk and to be in a nonworking day…but that is rare

I've just picked up deep work session after a giant break of unproductivity. To make myself commit, I think changing my environment (like keeping you work files on the desk or textbooks) helps a lot. It'll be easier to start your work if your environment keeps reminding you that your work needs to be done. I'll also recommend hiding away distractions. You don't have to put your phone or gaming console in a jar in the kitchen or something. Just keep it hidden under a newspaper or something so your eyes don't see them.

I make myself some herbal tea, play some upbeat music, and allow myself 15 minutes of useless browsing before work. Stretching before and after helps too! Find a time where you aren't about to eat or didn't JUST eat. I usually pick 3pm.

I find the anti-procrastination pep talk available through the app is pretty helpful – it gets me into the right headspace for taking on deep work that I might be putting off. I also reward myself after I’ve done deep work, particularly with things I usually see as a bit indulgent or lazy like TV or playing games. These things are totally guilt-free if I’ve just finished a long deep work session, I feel like I actually deserve to be a bit lazy 😊

It may not work on your first try, but keep thinking of how satisfied you will feel once you finish a task you've been postponing.

I think celebrating when you’ve done a deep work session will help you feel more positive when it comes to the next one. Also doing your to do list before hand can help you feel organised and more in control of your life.

What I did was I set a long-term goal, and I set short-term goals as my “deep work project”s. I coupled it with the hand grip thing – it really helps somehow

Mi aiuta lo svegliarmi presto, prendermi del tempo per me, per fare colazione, meditare, percepirmi. Mi aiuta credere in quello che sto facendo, fissare un obiettivo anche piccolo, inventarlo magari, se non c'è. I lavori complessi sono complessi perché non danno gratificazione immediata. Occorre saper scomporre e crederci. Come Riccardo quando giocava. Ricordi?

I'm having the same problem! Things I'm trying are deciding what I'll focus on the night before and finding a regular time that I can commit to without getting rushed.

I usually work on things that I love so that really helps. For example I'm learning a language right now and I'm going to new country in a few months so that's a real motivator for me but I always make a cup of tea grab my notebook turn off any distractions and just focus on that for my 25 minutes.

I usually stretch for 5 minutes to wake up my body and shake off any laziness. Then I meditate for 10 to 15 minutes (A guided meditation about focus can be helpful for beginners) to clear my head and recenter my purpose for the day. Honestly, my motivation is the feeling when I go to bed , happy with what I accomplished today , knowing I have one big thing off my (neverending) to-do list

I just start with the hardest task, it makes the rest seem easy to do. Plus it gives me motivation for the rest of the day to challenge myself.

Making a checklist or to-do list for all of the work that I want to do. Go in order until I feel satisfied with my progress.

Have the decision to do it
Understand that is very important
Realice that will help me with the target to be more focus
Do it today

I think feeling physically relaxed from meditation and exercise and water, plus the passion I have for my work and excitement to see improvement and the live I hold for the people I work with all contribute to pushing myself to focus for long periods of time.

I honestly don't start of that way , as to prepare for ot or anything. But the time I chose and the extent of my workload practically forces me to do so. Still though I can't say I have committed to every last one of my sessions as I struggle with procrastination and is slowly trying to move away from it.

As I have said the time I chose being around 4:30am calls for less distractions but offers a clearer mind a d pushes me to be an early bird.
Last but not least, I am uh nin very student and so staying on schedule is vital for my success if not my survival, that's has become my major motivator to try Fabulous, i.e, beat my old bad habits and create a new productive ones.

Anyhoo, I wish you all luck and hope this help in some way.🤗😊

I have made 90 day goals. Then I broke them down into weekly bite size goals. It brings it down to 3 short snip it's a week. It makes it very achievable and motivating.