Focus session · design work · 90 min

90-minute focus block for design work — white noise, if you are fitting this around other people

A timer, a short prep list, and 90 minutes to make decisions.

90:00

Press start. The timer keeps time so you do not have to look at a clock.

Take one breath that is slightly slower than the last one. That is enough to start. It is designed to fit around other people’s schedules. Straight through, at a normal pace.

1 Before you start

  • 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.
  • Decide what counts as done for this block. "Two pages" is better than "make progress".
  • Choose one question to answer in this block, rather than a whole subject to cover.
  • Set the timer where you can see it, or where you can deliberately not see it.

2 While the timer runs

  • It is fine to stare at the wall for a minute. That is often where the answer is.
  • When you get an idea for something else, park it. Do not follow it.
  • If your attention keeps sliding, shorten the next block rather than abandoning this one.
  • Notice whether you are working or performing work. They look similar from the outside.

3 When it ends

  • Leave the file open if you are coming back. Closing it makes restarting harder.
  • Resist the urge to review the work straight away. Come back to it later with fresh eyes.
  • Roll your shoulders and your neck before the next block.

4What to put on

white noise — Flat across all frequencies and very effective at covering speech. Some people find it harsh after an hour; keep the volume low.

This page is a tool, not a course. Nothing is tracked, nothing is saved, and nobody is told whether you finished.