The Difference Between Deep Work and Flow

They’re Not The Same.

These two ideas often get used interchangably when we’re talking about the ideal state of work. And even often by US, about workin in The Cave. But they’re discrete ideas that do have some overlap.

Let’s start with some basic definitions.

First, deep work is the idea of blocking off a chunk of time for focusing on a demanding task. Putting distractions away and monotasking on something important.

Flow is an altered state of consciousness, a mental state of peak performance and heightened intensity. Fully immersing your body and brain in an activity and reaching a feeling where time distorts.

So it’s possible that you could reach Flow in a Deep Work session. But not required.

The Cave is designed as a structure for helping with Deep Work– distraction free, time boxed, encouraging monotasking and being clear on that task. Additionally, we’re creating a container to help reach Flow when you need. Including rituals, having a facilitator keep track of time (ie surrendering time), and a group energy that encourages sustained focus.

Deep Work and Flow are not always the Goal.

We all have tasks that don’t require us to need deep work. Collaborative tasks, email, scheduling, meetings. Those are often parts of our day that are not about accomplishing our most important work as much as they are about clearing the way. And they’re necessary for our work.

We can still be practicing monotasking when we’re in a meeting or focusing our attention to one email at a time as we’re writing. But we don’t ALWAYS need to be aiming for Deep Work– focus without distraction on a demanding task.

And Flow is really only needed when we’re trying to do our best thinking. So, for example, if you’re a teacher, you might not NEED to be in Flow to grade a stack of essays (you’d likely want some Deep Work to get that done). But I’d certainly recommend trying to hit a Flow state when you’re coming up with curriculum ideas or how to teach your next lesson more creatively. If you’re building a presentation, your research phase may not require Flow. (But again, Deep Work may be important here. Book those Caves!)

When you’re trying to synthesize ideas or design the deck, you may want to aim for Flow. In those cases, do a special ritual. Have a Flow playlist different from your Deep Work playlist. Say something to yourself as you’re starting. Wear different headphones. Try a different flavor of tea. And allow yourself some extra time to focus and immerse yourself in the work.

Deep work and Flow are crucial to doing our best work, but they’re not the same.

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Caveday is a company aimed at improving your relationship to work. We write regular posts on Medium and send out monthly newsletters with productivity tips, life hacks, and recommendations. Sign up for the mailing list here.

Jake Kahana is a cofounder of Caveday. Sign up for his personal emails, called “The Email Refrigerator” here.