25-minute research session with a stream and a timer, when you have been on screens all day

1 Before you start

• Take one slow breath before you press start, so the session has a beginning.
• Decide that today's session does not have to be good. It has to happen.
• Have a piece of paper beside you for the thoughts that will try to interrupt.
• Give yourself permission to stop when the timer ends, even mid-sentence.
• Close every tab that is not needed for this one task. Not minimised — closed.

2 While the timer runs

• Notice whether you are working or performing work. They look similar from the outside.
• If you are stuck, say the problem out loud. It changes what you can see.
• The first urge to stop usually arrives early. Sit through it once and the second one is quieter.
• If you are bored, the boredom is usually the last thing before something clicks.

3 When it ends

• Say the session is finished, out loud if you can. It marks the boundary.
• Put the notes you made where you will find them next time.
• Note what you actually got done, not what you meant to get done.

4What to put on

a stream — Running water with small variation. Softer than rain and less repetitive than a fan.