There are two books that have indirectly helped me hugely in how I approach essay writing that would be remiss of me not to share. The first is David Allen's Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. The second is Call Newport's Deep Work: Rules for Focussed Work in a Distracted World.

Let me introduce them and their value for writing essays, in reverse order:

Deep Work: Rules for Focussed Work in a Distracted Word

In his book, Deep Work: Rules for Focussed Work in a Distracted World, Cal Newport expounds the benefits of sustained concentration for achieving better results. Deep Work, he claims, allows for periods of more efficient productivity as well producing otherwise unattainable results.

Deep work refers to work, such as essay writing, where extended periods of time (typically 1-4 hours) allow one to produce something that would otherwise be impossible, without such deep thinking/concentration. It is a practice that makes possible that which is not yet realised: connecting the unconnected, discovering the undiscovered and creating something new.

I can vouch for the principle of deep work in my own life. Admittedly a relatively new practice for me, I am finding, in blocks of one hour or more, I am able to understand concepts more deeply and articulate my findings in assessment tasks, such as essays, more easily and more effectively than before.. Where possible, I would recommend you try to create regular 'distraction free' time blocks - especially for completing assessment tasks - but also for class readings and other activities that require a good amount of brain power.

Multi-tasking is largely a myth that attempts to describe rapid switching between tasks. While the idea may hold for combinations where one task requires comparatively little attention (e.g. Driving on cruise-control and listening to an audiobook) don't expect to have much success trying to complete assignments or class reading to any great degree while watching a movie or TV show you care about.

I think most people would be much better to spend 30 focussed minutes on something that is mentally taxing than 90 minutes of divided attention. Focussed 'deep work' can lead to a state of 'flow' where you experience bursts of productivity where the quality and quantity of your output cannot be otherwise matched. It may take a little practice, but most students will reap the rewards from investing time in focussed and sustained periods of deep work.

Give it a go and discover/determine for yourself what works best for you.

Next Post: Getting Things Done

^{1. Deep Work: Rules for Focussed Work in a Distracted World and Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity are both available as an audiobook, which may be easier for the time-poor student to find a suitable time to digest and benefit from its material}

March 2018 (Updated January 2021)