Cal Newport’s Deep Work Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World is nicely summarized by Productivity Game.
Three rules for doing Deep Work are:
1. Schedule distractions – Schedule the time that you will allow yourself to check email/social media/chat etc. Write it down as a Distraction break and hold your focus until then.
2. Deep Work ritual – Create a rhythmic flow of doing deep work typically in the early mornings. The point is to create simple regular habit. Adhoc deep work sessions typically are not productive.
3. Evening shutdown ritual – Getting adequate sleep is important. Make a plan of the unfinished tasks and their action plan for the following day. After the plan is complete, the goal is to shutdown completely and go to sleep.