Deep work timer: 45 minutes of portfolio work (distant traffic), when you have already had a long week

1 Before you start

• Write down the one thing you are going to do, in a single sentence, before you start.
• Let go of the version of this task you imagined doing perfectly.
• Close every tab that is not needed for this one task. Not minimised — closed.
• Promise yourself you will not check anything until the timer ends, including "just quickly".
• Make sure your chair is at a height where your feet are flat on the floor.

2 While the timer runs

• When you have drifted for the fifth time, that is still four returns. Keep going.
• If you are suddenly sleepy, stand up for ten seconds and sit back down.
• If you are stuck, say the problem out loud. It changes what you can see.
• If your attention keeps sliding, shorten the next block rather than abandoning this one.

3 When it ends

• Take the break away from the screen, even if it is just the other side of the room.
• Put the notes you made where you will find them next time.
• Roll your shoulders and your neck before the next block.

4What to put on

distant traffic — A low continuous wash from a road you are not on. Familiar and easy to stop hearing.