One task, one timer
Working in short rounds with breaks between them: how to choose the task, what to do when a round is interrupted, and when to stop.
Focus rounds are a simple structure: pick one task, start a timer, work until it ends, then take a short break. The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, is the best-known version of this idea. The focus rounds on this site are a plain version of it.
Choosing the task
Write the task in a few words before you start. Make it small enough to begin right away: draft the opening paragraph, answer three messages, sort one folder. A vague task tends to spread out.
During the round
Work on that one thing. When another thought arrives, such as an errand or an idea for later, put it in the parking lot and go back to the task. The timer sits quietly, so you can switch to your work while it runs.
Breaks
Between rounds, take a short break away from the task: a breathing break, a stretch, or a few minutes away from the screen. Stand up if you can.
Interruptions
Rounds get interrupted. If one ends early, it is not counted, and that is fine. Start a new round when you are ready, or stop for the day.
Knowing when to stop
Four rounds make a full cycle, and stopping after any round is a fine place to end. The point is a few stretches of steady attention, not a total to reach.
Sources
- The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, divides work into timed intervals separated by short breaks. Pomodoro Technique (Wikipedia)