Hey there,

Most productivity tips are just noise—busywork dressed up as progress.

They make you feel good but do nothing for the work that actually matters.

I used to fall for every shiny “hack” I saw online. Pomodoro timers? Check. Fancy planners? Double check. But when I looked back at my day, I realized the important stuff—the writing, the thinking, the building—was still undone.

That’s when I discovered Deep Work, and everything changed.

Today, I’m going to share:

• How I use Deep Work to quiet distractions and crush imposter syndrome.

• Why multitasking is wrecking your creative flow.

• A simple routine to get into the zone—even on your busiest days.

Sound good? Let’s dive in.

3 Steps to Master Deep Work and Crush Distractions

Deep work isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Create Your Fortress of Focus

Find a space where distractions can’t touch you. This might mean closing your office door, popping on noise-canceling headphones, or working during off-hours.

Why it works: Your environment sets the tone for your focus. If your phone is buzzing or you’re within reach of a thousand tabs, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

How to do it:

• Block out time on your calendar for deep work (I call mine “focus sprints”).

• Use tools like Freedom to block distracting apps.

• Tell your family or team you’re “off the grid” during these blocks.

Step 2: Start With the Hardest Thing First

Your brain is freshest in the morning (or whenever your peak energy hits). Use this time to tackle your most complex or important task.

Why it works: Procrastination loves easy wins. When you conquer the big stuff early, you’ll feel more accomplished and avoid the afternoon slump.

How to do it:

• Write down your #1 priority the night before.

• Spend your first 90 minutes on this—before checking email or social media.

Step 3: Master Single-Tasking

Stop multitasking. Every time you switch tasks, your brain loses momentum. Deep work is about diving into one thing and staying there.

Why it works: Multitasking splits your focus and drains energy. Single-tasking lets you achieve flow, where your best work happens.

How to do it:

• Use a timer (I like 50-minute blocks).

• Resist the urge to “just check” emails or Slack in between.

Here’s what you learned today:

• Deep work creates the mental space you need for big wins.

• Protecting your focus starts with setting boundaries.

• Tackling hard tasks first makes the rest of your day easier.

Take 5 minutes now to schedule your first focus sprint. Block 90 minutes tomorrow morning, pick one task, and see how it feels.

If you’re a creator or entrepreneur trying to grow your audience, overcome writer’s block, and stay consistent, these resources will help you dig deeper into Deep Work:

Weekly Resource List:

• Deep Work by Cal Newport (Reading Time: ~6 hrs) A game-changer for focusing on what truly matters.

• The Focus Course (Varies) A hands-on approach to building deep focus habits.

• Hypefury (10 mins to explore) Helps you schedule content so you can protect your creative time.

• How I Schedule Deep Work (4 mins) A quick read on designing your perfect productivity day.

Chat soon,
Nixon Tuei

And finally, we’d love your input on how we could make Wordsthatwork even more useful for you! So please leave a comment with:

• Ideas you’d like covered in future editions

• Your biggest takeaway from this edition

We read & reply to every single one of them!