50-minute focus block for studying — a stream, when you have been meaning to start

1 Before you start

• Clear the surface in front of you down to the thing you are working on.
• Let go of the version of this task you imagined doing perfectly.
• Turn off notifications for the next block, not just to silent.
• Choose one question to answer in this block, rather than a whole subject to cover.
• Put the thing you keep reaching for out of arm's reach.

2 While the timer runs

• Notice the moment your hand moves toward your phone. That moment is the whole skill.
• If you are suddenly sleepy, stand up for ten seconds and sit back down.
• It is fine to stare at the wall for a minute. That is often where the answer is.
• When the timer feels too long, look at it less. The clock is not the task.

3 When it ends

• Leave the desk tidier than you found it. Two minutes now saves ten later.
• Say the session is finished, out loud if you can. It marks the boundary.
• Write one line about where to start next time. Future you will be grateful.

4What to put on

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