Focus session · applications and forms · 25 min

Focus session for applications and forms: 25 minutes, birds at dawn, when you are too tired to try hard

25 minutes of applications and forms, with birds at dawn and a note on what to do when you drift.

25:00

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

Notice whether you're leaning forward. Most people are, slightly, all day. Too tired to try hard is exactly the right amount of tired for this. Straight through, at a normal pace.

1 Before you start

  • Set the timer where you can see it, or where you can deliberately not see it.
  • Accept that the first five minutes will feel like wading. Wading counts.
  • Have a piece of paper beside you for the thoughts that will try to interrupt.
  • Plan to leave the last two minutes for writing down where to pick up next time.
  • Turn off notifications for the next block, not just to silent.

2 While the timer runs

  • If your attention keeps sliding, shorten the next block rather than abandoning this one.
  • If you start tidying your desk, that is avoidance. Sit back down.
  • When you have drifted for the fifth time, that is still four returns. Keep going.
  • If you are bored, the boredom is usually the last thing before something clicks.

3 When it ends

  • Decide whether the next block is the same task or a different one. Do not drift into it.
  • If it went badly, note one thing that worked anyway. There is usually one.
  • Have a drink of water before you check anything.

4What to put on

birds at dawn — Bright but not sharp. Better for early sessions than for late ones.

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