Find Synchronicity
Work in time with others to strengthen focus, energy, and cooperation
- Difficulty
- Starter
- Time to result
- ~days to results
- Steps
- 5
- Confidence
- 98%
Find Synchronicity creates social momentum by coordinating the timing and rhythm of separate efforts. Participants assemble at the same time, briefly establish a shared beat or intention, and then work quietly on their own tasks for a defined interval. They do not need to collaborate on the same output; the important input is the felt experience of moving in tandem. Research described in the transcript suggests that even simple synchronized movement changes group affiliation and generosity. A remote coworking session applies the same mechanism through a common start, declared intentions, and a simultaneous focus block. The output is greater camaraderie, willingness to help, focus, and energy. This makes synchronicity a lightweight option when direct collaboration is unavailable or unnecessary.
Origin
Extracted from Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal through a 2017 Ryerson University synchronization study and Ali Abdaal's use of the London Writer's Salon's Writer's Hour.
Core principles
- 01Temporal coordination can create camaraderie without shared tasks
- 02Brief synchronous rituals can increase willingness to support others
- 03Working in tandem makes solitary effort feel social
- 04A shared start, intention, and work interval can sustain focus
How to run it
- 1
Gather a Work Group
Invite one or more people who want to make progress during the same period. Their tasks can be unrelated.
Pro tip A dependable recurring group is more useful than a large inconsistent one.
Watch out Do not require participants to reveal confidential work.
- 2
Synchronize the Start
Join at an agreed time and use a brief shared cue to begin. This can be a countdown, greeting, musical cue, or facilitator message.
Pro tip Keep the opening ritual consistent so it becomes an automatic focus signal.
Watch out A long introduction can consume the energy intended for work.
- 3
Declare Intentions
Have each participant state the concrete task they intend to advance during the session. Keep declarations short and observable.
Pro tip Phrase the intention as a deliverable for the current block.
Watch out Avoid turning intention sharing into status competition.
- 4
Work in Tandem
Minimize the call or conversation and work independently for a defined focus interval. Preserve awareness that others are focusing simultaneously.
Pro tip Use a visible timer and mute notifications until the interval ends.
Watch out Do not interrupt the shared block with unnecessary discussion.
- 5
Close and Repeat
End together, briefly acknowledge progress, and schedule the next session. Repetition turns occasional synchronization into a reliable productivity environment.
Pro tip Record whether the session improved focus and energy so you can tune its length.
Watch out Do not keep repeating a format that consistently adds distraction or pressure.
In the wild
Groups of students tapped to musical beats through headphones. Participants who tapped in synchrony later allocated more money to the people with whom they had synchronized, and synchronizing all six participants expanded generosity to the larger group.
→ A short period of coordinated rhythm changed camaraderie and helping behavior.
Hundreds of participants join a Zoom call, hear a short motivational message, post their writing intention, and then minimize Zoom while working for 50 minutes. Ali describes these sessions as helpful for focus and energy despite everyone working on different things.
→ Synchronized independent work supports sustained focus without requiring participants to share a project.
Common mistakes
Forcing Everyone Onto One Task
The mechanism does not require identical work. Requiring unnecessary collaboration can add coordination costs and distraction.
Letting the Ritual Consume the Session
Lengthy introductions and conversation undermine the focus interval. Keep setup brief and move quickly into synchronized work.
Using an Undefined Work Block
Without a clear start, intention, and end, participants may merely remain online together. Give the session a deliberate shared rhythm.
Is it for you?
Best for
It is best for writers, students, remote workers, and independent creators who focus better in the presence of shared activity.
Not ideal for
It is not ideal for tasks requiring constant collaboration, unpredictable interruptions, or people who find group presence more distracting than motivating.
From the transcript
“When we work in synchrony with other people, we tend to be more productive.”
“If we want to harness the feel-good effects of people, try to find people with whom to work in sync, even if you aren't actively…”
“Even though we're all working on different things, working in tandem with others has huge effects on my ability to focus and helps me feel…”
From the episode
BONUS EPISODE: How People Power Will Boost Your Productivity (Chapter 3 Feel-Good Productivity)