Working in Modes

Focus is Fragile

We live in a world full of distractions. Focus is already fragile, and it is easier than ever to find a way to shatter it at every turn. Luckily, there are many strategies for improving focus and getting yourself back on track. One I’ve found works well for me is essentially the Pomodoro technique. Using a timer to ground me with quick bursts of concentrated focus, knowing at the end of it I’ll be able to wander as much as I want.

However, even with all of the strategies available to us to turn off, tune out, and otherwise beat the focus monsters in daily life, there is one thing we can’t avoid—our best intentions. Sometimes, our best intentions destroy the very thing we are trying to achieve. We want to focus so we can get more work done. We want to do more, to accomplish more. So we employ all the best strategies, concentrate super hard, put in all the effort, and then bam! Nothing. Didn’t get a whole lot done. I was working so hard, what happened? Of the countless times this has happened to me, I can zero in on one of the most regular culprits: trying to do too many things all at once. Now I don’t mean juggling six balls while grooming the dog and trying to write a paper. I mean trying to think of what I’m going to say, figure out the words, say it, and then take it all back all at the same time—trying to figure it out all in one pass.

I needed a workflow that let me focus intensely and end up with something to show for it on the other side. I ultimately arrived at the idea of categorizing my work by task and mode. These modes (Study, Design, Execute, Revise, Conclude) allow me to place guardrails around my mind. Giving my mind a zone to work within. Distractions come from the modes all vying for position, all trying to be center stage. By keeping them contained to their own scenes, I’ve allowed each to shine and a session to be more productive. This is one method, but one I’ve found works for me when I really need to dial up the focus.

The Modes

Any given task or goal very rarely falls into a single work mode. Typically there are a series of actions, of modes, that lead to the success of that task. The modes do tend towards a specific order, but they are by no means linear. This all depends on the project and the task at hand. Understanding what mode of work we are about to perform can help us mentally prepare to do the best we can.

Study

Study is the first mode and is typically found at the start of a project or a task. Some synonyms include research, learn, prepare. This is the stage of work where the problem is presented, concepts are thrown around, and material is studied. There tends to be a lot of reading, watching, listening, and totally absorbing all the information we can find about the topic. But more than that, it involves taking notes, putting down what seems important, squirreling away ideas knowing that we will be coming back to them later to help get through the next parts.

Design

The second mode of work is Design. Synonyms include brainstorm, develop, strategize. This is where we crank up the creative and inventive side of the brain. Information we’ve collected and studied is now brought to force against the problem we are trying to solve or the thing we are trying to create. Sketches are jotted down, blurbs are written, outlines are made, pads are scratched. This is where things start to take shape and coalesce into a discernible idea or plan.

Execute

Third, and arguably most important, Execute. Synonyms include write, compose, produce, create. This is where the bulk of the ‘work’ is done. Getting things out. Putting pencil to paper (or finger to key) and making it happen. Keeping in mind that the purpose of this mode is to execute quickly. Almost mindlessly. You’ve studied the problem, you’ve got a good design to work from, now you have to do the work. This mode is all about quantity and not quality.

Revise

Well, we’ve made a mess—tons of mistakes, lots of errors, much typo. Luckily we’re now in the fourth mode, Revise. Synonyms include arrange, edit, assess, test. This is where we look at what we’ve accomplished so far and put it in order. Or hide it away, never to spoken of again. This is where we take the raw output of what we’ve made and make it better. Make it cohesive. Make it work. It can be difficult. It’s critical work, and sometimes we need someone to help us see what we can’t see on our own. A good tip here, walk away from what’s been done so far to come back with a fresh mind for revision.

Conclude

It’s come to this, the end. Or rather, it’s time to Conclude. Synonyms include finish, release, stop, set aside. This mode can have several different meanings depending on how far along a task is. Regardless of how close we are to the finish, this is where you put down your work and call it good, for now. This mode is a double check, a once over, making sure it’s in an acceptable to leave it, whether we’re releasing it to the world or preparing to come back to it at a later time. It’s essential to approach this with intent, or it will quickly become another Execute or Revise step.

Putting It Together

Work does not happen linearly. And with any simple example, it can be easy to see how these modes can be applied in order, it’s not always going to happen that way. We could jump between Execute and Revise several times before we finally call it good. When I’m working through a challenging bit of code, I know I’ll end up right smack dab in Study pretty often (hello Stack Overflow!) Regardless, it is not about finding a pattern in the modes or applying them in a particular order. The purpose is to create an intentional break between the work. These breaks do a few things for us. They allow us to take an actual good ol’ fashioned physical stand-up and move break. They also give our minds a chance to adapt and adjust to what we are about to work on. But ultimately, they give us focus by providing boundaries in which we can operate. Limits that help make us better.

This concept works at different scales. It’s modes all the way down. Any big project at the highest level can be thought of and broken down into different modes. In turn, each piece of the larger project can also be broken down into these modes. Essentially this is a way of breaking down a project not only by tasks and effort but by the type of work, expected output, and mental state required to do the job. This can help get that one little detail exactly right or help make sure that the big picture is all coming together.

This is one way that I’ve found can help improve focus and improve my work quality. Everyone is different, everyone needs a different workflow or stimulus to keep them focused and productive, but maybe this will work for someone else. If I can help anybody else stay out of their own way and get more done, I’ll consider that a win.