Using "Deep Work" to improve PhD productivity | PhD Vlog

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I am entirely aware I've been neglecting these vlogs recently in favour of bigger, more complicated video projects recently (in fact that was something I talked about last time!). I'm keen to make up for this in the next few months. Next time, I'm planning on chatting about perfectionism and how it gets in the way of completing tasks; any thoughts, questions or suggestions for overcoming would be much appreciated! Thanks for watching!

[@thomasp4902]

The VLogs are really good. Blocks of work like that is a good approach and fits people's normal attention span quite well. It's also better if you aren't forcing yourself to do it. If you feel relaxed and happy about it you'll be much more productive.

[@niamhodonoghue112]

How to plan the months ahead in a PhD and how you balance other hobbies / relationships /friendships ?

[@michaellasfetto5810]

I have ADHD. That strategy works for me when I have a deadline looming or it is something that I can hyper focus on like gardening or practicing music, or if I am writing something that I am incredibly motivated and passionate about. On the other hand, if it is something that I am not inspired by--even if it is something I want to do, my mind has to be in a stressed state in order to get it done, and then I can work for up to 20 hours at a time (with breaks for movement and eating) for about a week and a half before I absolutely crash for several days. My MO is often to set aside hours of time, but then I need to set out a to-do list and switch between topics, making plenty of time for movement breaks every hour.

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Recording the time of writing is a huge step forward to my writing too. As a life scientist, "3-hour" writing could be challenging because we usually have long hours of lab work on top of writing. My advice would be to start with 30 min and try to be consistently writing at least 30 min a day.

[@Hyphaen]

I recognise this video is 2 years old, but did just want to say that since lockdown I’ve been experimenting with different ways to do productive work and have found a similar method works, albeit in less long chunks. I’ve personally found I can really only write for 40mins on without losing momentum and starting to burn myself out- 25mins on with my maths/physics practices. I then have 10-15mins breaks for the former and 5 for the latter. But the key thing I’ve found has definitely been putting away distractions and setting aside specific time for this. Previously I was working like you described near the beginning of this video, in a more fluid but almost zombie-like way, going from one thing to the other and never really getting much done in the time given. I was working in what appeared to be the most restful way to me- as I was pretty tired and the idea of this work was overwhelming. I realised later that this was also equally because I either wouldn’t take breaks, or in my breaks I’d try to be ‘productive’ in some sort of way (as in going on my phone/answering emails/doing chores). This constant sense of catching up and not having time for space really dragged all my work and life down until I realised I should just be doing nothing in breaks. Now I’ve bought a standing desk to engage myself further in work, and I sit down and just practice mindfulness in my breaks. It gives me the energy, space and perspective to work properly when I set aside that time. But yeah still working on the reflecting on the day part as I haven’t really found time for that yet lol

[@garethgriffiths1674]

I found that it was difficult to do the research at home, because there were too many domestic distractions. The university tends to have 2 sorts of libraries: those where just about everyone has a coffee on their desk and people freely chat, and then the old-fashioned libraries where absolute silence reigns. In the latter, I could easily get in 5 hours of intensive work, while the former was also too distracting.

[@Yuki-tw8tj]

So, I know this isn't a recent video, but I went looking for a random PhD Candidate 'work/study with me' video to vicariously gain motivation and was pleased to find this, as I'm currently reading Deep Work myself. I first learned about DW in 2017 and stupidly didn't actually purchase it until a week ago. I agree, it's such a useful perspective (if painfully straight forward in retrospect) and I'm finding it to be super motivational. I am doing my PhD completely by research, no coursework, so I don't have a cohort or know/ spend time with other PhD students. So, this video was actually really nice/comforting to hear someone with the same lifestyle and daily challenges. ANYWAY, the video probably didn't call for such a 'long' comment but I wanted to say thanks for putting it out there and providing some solidarity for all of us individually slogging away.

[@amiraaloui4913]

can you do a video on how to divide your 3 years of PhD? when to read and when to start writing and publishing, etc?

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I'd say that's really, really dependent on one's discipline, research focus and on the individual. Different people will need different amounts of time on different aspects of their work. For instance, I had to do a little bit of field work which took some time. Some won't have to do any of that at all, others might have a lot of field work of "active research" to do before writing begins to take over. I think, ultimately, that's something to decide between you and your supervisor. Sorry to not be more help!

[@lucatosadori3860]

This is such a useful (and relatively simple) piece of advice! Thank you, Tom. I've recently moved abroad for a research period, and sometimes I struggle to structure my days in a productive day. I will most certainly have a look at this book ;)

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks Luca! Glad you found it helpful!

[@613pics]

Video starts at 4:15

[@nancywysemen7196]

impressed by your discipline. how's it working 4 years down the line?

[@ThePhDK1d]

Is it weird that while reading a RC passage about theater during my GRE preparation made me go on youtube to see if Tom uploaded anythng new? Quickly becoming my new favorite PhD channel.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Haha, perfect timing! And Raymond Chandler I'm guessing is RC maybe? Glad you've been enjoying the channel, always really nice to hear that people (other than me) are getting something out of it!

[@layfusiv4045]

Have you ever thought of creating a playlist of your 3-year writing thesis vlog? i mean you film yourself after you finish writing a point in your thesis, by explaining what explaining what you wrote about and that you had hard time with that point...

[@TheTnaidu]

No need to explain Tom as you moved home which is not an easy thing! On top of the Phd may I add. Good luck in your new home, hope it feels like home very soon. I enjoyed the video very much and might get that book you mentioned. Thanks again for the vlog while you are so busy. 😊

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Ah, thanks! Yes, moving has been a bit of a hectic endeavor but keen to try and increase the frequency of these a little none the less! I would certainly suggest it. Even if the practical methods it suggests aren't quite right for you (everyone has different approaches!), I thought it was really insightful and engagingly written.

[@TheTnaidu]

Tom Nicholas I hope you don’t mind but I just tweeted the free audio link on it, the whole book is on you tube and on audiobook, I’ve just listened to half of it, it’s such a treat to know this book, I thought I would share it with other PhD students too, I probably would do a book review on my channel on it and mention you and write a blog from it as it’s dead on point! Thanks again and all the best!

[@TheTnaidu]

Here’s the link Tom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHixmnympryei6s

[@fernhughes8714]

Wow I’m so glad I came across your video this morning. Your comment that ‘life goes on around your PhD’ really struck a chord - I’ve missed out on a lot of progress recently because of moving house and general life stuff and this video really helped me reframe how I feel. Thank you!

[@DavidHindin]

Stumbled across your channel and love it, Tom! May I ask - where did you get the cool light bulb lamp on your desk?

[@lilmissmalone]

David Hindin, M.D. it’s so cute! I’d like to know as well

[@decky90]

This is a great insightful vid, I am currently rereading Deep Work. Subscribed here.

[@hanaplaysandparasols5670]

Hi Tom, congrats on the move! I definitely agree with your point here, but do you ever struggle to get into that deep focused flow? I often find myself thinking about biscuits!

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Heya, thanks! Oh, absolutely, it can be really tough to get into that mode. I think the best way is to start small and work your way up. Lots of days, I'll start by use reading back what I've written in the days before and, gradually, I'll find myself editing little bits and adding to it and, soon enough, I'm writing away!

[@thomasp4902]

Be bored, that helps. I had to spend 5 hours on the train to uni. I managed to read 3 chapters of my dissertation and make loads of changes.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Haha, I find trains impossible to work on. I think the slow vibration as it trundles along just slowly rocks me to sleep!

[@israelurban2702]

Hana Plays and Parasols HAHAHA This happens to me so often. I feel your pain my friend!

[@Simte]

Truly important video.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks Simte.

[@DanceVidsCharlotte]

I have just started my PhD, and actually have this book. I got a bit frustrated with the book due to some outdated theories and things that contradict my own beliefs; perhaps I will try again with it. Research suggests that deliberate practice reduces enjoyment and intrinsic motivation... maybe that is addressed in the book later on. Anyway, I have a 2 hour playlist of "chill out" music which I zone into when I am working. When that playlist finishes, I choose whether to repeat or take a break. I am really sensitive to sound and have found that it is actually the sound of voices/doors/footsteps that distract me the most. Also, a sit/stand desk really helps! It allows me to fidget and shuffle my feet whilst still being focused on my work.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Hey Charlotte! I mean, I wouldn't say it's a cure all, perfect book! The limited research I've read actually suggests the opposite, that dedicated practice and intrinsic motivation are mutually supportive. However, it's totally not my field so I don't have a comprehensive knowledge of the current literature. I've gone through periods of using music and do find it helpful. I tried out brain.fm for a little while which I did quite like. Really, it's all about finding the method that work best for you!

[@JasonAvronSamuels]

Hey Tom, how is it going with the deep work? All the best!

[@Sybilsleaves]

Does the idea of this video also apply to reading? I find that when I read articles, I have to take a short break every 1.5 or so, not only because I am losing my focus, but also because sitting down, with head bent down to a piece of paper for 3 hours, is not particularly good for your body.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I don't think the idea is that you shouldn't take breaks at all but simply that, however long your work sessions, they should be as focussed as possible and without distractions.

[@Sybilsleaves]

@@Tom_Nicholas Makes sense! Thanks for your reply.

[@DribbleFunk]

Great video! Newport's book was helpful to me as well.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thanks! Yeah, I've not been applying it perhaps as rigorously as he suggests but the basic principles I've found really useful.

[@jessicazhang2745]

lovely

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Cheers Jessica!

[@jessicazhang2745]

@@Tom_Nicholas Oh, my god! You replied. Hello, Tom! I just want to tell you I found your channel since I watched 'How to read, take notes on and understand journal article', it is a useful skill, but nobody showed us how to do this. Thanks! I enjoy all of your essay writing related videos, and I love your accent. (shy emoji)

[@joanneward6746]

Imagine not getting new information instantly... Using a library Lol. Showing your youth :-)

[@Venusgem]

Dedicated 3 hours of writing with no distractions.

[@augustinegeorge980]

Is that Godzilla inside your pen stand?

[@Pvt.Conscriptovich]

That guy.

[@limitless1692]

LIKE

[@durangulec8062]

Honestly?

[@kefsound]

Soooo verbose, sooo long-winged.