Focus session · brainstorming · 90 min
Deep work timer: 90 minutes of brainstorming (a washing machine), when you are somewhere noisy
One block of brainstorming with a washing machine underneath. One full ultradian cycle, for work that needs a long runway.
90:00
Press start. The timer keeps time so you do not have to look at a clock.
Let your forehead smooth out. Most of us hold a small frown there all day. Noise is fine. You are not trying to hear anything subtle. We'll be efficient and then you can get on with your day.
1 Before you start
- Decide what counts as done for this block. "Two pages" is better than "make progress".
- Remind yourself that you are allowed to produce something mediocre in the first pass.
- Take one slow breath before you press start, so the session has a beginning.
- Plan to leave the last two minutes for writing down where to pick up next time.
- Write down the one thing you are going to do, in a single sentence, before you start.
2 While the timer runs
- If you are suddenly sleepy, stand up for ten seconds and sit back down.
- If you feel restless, change your posture rather than your task.
- If nothing is working, write badly on purpose for two minutes.
- It is fine to stare at the wall for a minute. That is often where the answer is.
3 When it ends
- Have a drink of water before you check anything.
- Put the notes you made where you will find them next time.
- Look out of a window for thirty seconds. Your eyes have been at one distance for a while.
4What to put on
a washing machine — Domestic, mechanical, and oddly steadying. The sound of something else being dealt with.
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