Focus session for brainstorming: 25 minutes, a washing machine, when you have tried everything else

1 Before you start

• Close every tab that is not needed for this one task. Not minimised — closed.
• Decide what you will do if you get stuck: write the problem out, then move on.
• Have a piece of paper beside you for the thoughts that will try to interrupt.
• Choose one question to answer in this block, rather than a whole subject to cover.
• Clear the surface in front of you down to the thing you are working on.

2 While the timer runs

• When the timer feels too long, look at it less. The clock is not the task.
• Notice whether you are working or performing work. They look similar from the outside.
• When you catch yourself re-reading the same sentence, stop and write down what you were looking for.
• When you get an idea for something else, park it. Do not follow it.

3 When it ends

• Have a drink of water before you check anything.
• Say the session is finished, out loud if you can. It marks the boundary.
• Put the notes you made where you will find them next time.

4What to put on

a washing machine — Domestic, mechanical, and oddly steadying. The sound of something else being dealt with.