Focus session for drawing: 45 minutes, distant traffic, when you are too tired to try hard

1 Before you start

• Decide what counts as done for this block. "Two pages" is better than "make progress".
• Let go of the version of this task you imagined doing perfectly.
• Take one slow breath before you press start, so the session has a beginning.
• 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

• If you are suddenly sleepy, stand up for ten seconds and sit back down.
• When you have drifted for the fifth time, that is still four returns. Keep going.
• When you notice you have drifted, do not restart the block. Just come back and carry on counting from where the timer is.
• If you are stuck, say the problem out loud. It changes what you can see.

3 When it ends

• Leave the file open if you are coming back. Closing it makes restarting harder.
• Stand up and move for at least two minutes. The break is part of the method, not a reward.
• Have a drink of water before you check anything.

4What to put on

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