As a freelancer, you’re constantly busy. Emails, client calls, social media updates, invoices, learning new skills – the list never ends. But here’s a big question: Are you busy with the right kind of work?
Not all work is created equal. There’s a huge difference between being busy and being truly productive. This idea is best understood by looking at two types of work: Shallow Work and Deep Work.
Understanding these two types of work and how to use them is a game-changer for any freelancer wanting to earn more, achieve more, and feel less overwhelmed.
What is Shallow Work?
Shallow Work is easy to do, often doesn’t need much brainpower, and can be done even if you’re a bit distracted. It usually doesn’t create much value for your business or your clients, and it’s easy for others to do too.
Think of it as the “busy work” of freelancing.
Examples of Shallow Work:
- Checking and answering emails: Constantly refreshing your inbox and replying to messages.
- Scrolling social media: Even if it’s for “marketing” or “research,” if it’s mindless, it’s shallow.
- Filling out simple forms or invoices: Important, but not complex.
- Organizing your desk or files: Feels productive, but doesn’t move your main projects forward.
- Routine meetings: Especially if they don’t require much preparation or deep thought from you.
- Doing household chores during work hours: Laundry, dishes, quick tidying.
The Problem with Shallow Work:
Shallow work isn’t bad on its own. It needs to be done. The problem arises when it takes up too much of your time.
- It feels productive: It gives you quick wins and a false sense of accomplishment, making you think you’re working hard even when you’re not making progress on important goals.
- It’s easy to fall into: It’s the default when you don’t have a clear plan, or when you’re tired or unsure where to start.
- It prevents Deep Work: Every minute spent on shallow tasks is a minute not spent on deep work, which is where real growth happens.
What is Deep Work?
Deep Work is focused, challenging, and valuable. It demands your full attention, pushing your skills to their limits and creating new value. It’s hard for others to copy and requires uninterrupted concentration.
This is where you produce your best results, solve complex problems, and truly stand out in your field. This is the work that grows your business and makes you an expert.
Examples of Deep Work:
- Writing a complex article or book chapter: Requires research, planning, and focused writing.
- Developing a new skill: Learning a new programming language, design software, or marketing strategy.
- Designing a complex website or app: Requires creative problem-solving and technical skill.
- Crafting a detailed client strategy or proposal: Needs deep thought and customization.
- Solving a difficult technical problem for a client: Requires sustained mental effort.
- Creating new content (video script, podcast outline, detailed report): When done with full focus and original thought.
The Power of Deep Work:
- Creates Value: This is where you produce high-quality output that clients pay well for.
- Builds Skills: By challenging yourself, you get better at what you do, making you more valuable.
- Increases Focus: The more you practice deep work, the better your brain becomes at concentrating.
- Leads to Satisfaction: There’s a deep sense of accomplishment that comes from solving tough problems and creating something truly great.
- Grows Your Reputation: Consistent deep work helps you become known as an expert in your field.
How to Shift from Shallow to Deep Work?
It’s not about cutting out shallow work entirely; it’s about putting it in its place. Your goal is to maximize your time in Deep Work.
- Identify Your Deep Work: Look at your projects and goals. What tasks truly move the needle for your freelance business? Which tasks require intense focus and creativity? Make a list.
- Schedule Deep Work First: Don’t wait for “free time” to do deep work. Block out specific times in your day or week for deep work, just like a meeting. Treat these blocks as sacred. For example, “9 AM – 11 AM: Writing for Client A.”
- Minimize Distractions: During your deep work blocks, turn off notifications, close unnecessary browser tabs, and tell others you’re unavailable. Create a focused environment.
- Batch Shallow Work: Group all your shallow tasks together. Instead of checking emails every 10 minutes, set aside 30 minutes twice a day to handle all communications at once. This frees up your mental energy for deep work.
- Use Rituals: Start your deep work session with a simple ritual (e.g., make coffee, review your deep work goal, put on focus music). End your workday with a shutdown ritual (like we discussed earlier) to mentally disengage.
- Measure Your Deep Work: Keep a simple tally of how many hours you spend in deep work each week. This awareness alone can motivate you to do more.
The Freelancer’s Advantage
As a freelancer, you have something office workers often don’t: control over your schedule. This is your superpower! Use it wisely to prioritize Deep Work. By focusing on the tasks that truly matter, you won’t just be busy – you’ll be thriving.
Start today. Identify one deep work task, block out an hour, and commit to diving deep. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
