Focus session for portfolio work: 90 minutes, café murmur, after eating too much

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.
• Clear the surface in front of you down to the thing you are working on.
• Remind yourself that you are allowed to produce something mediocre in the first pass.
• Turn off notifications for the next block, not just to silent.

2 While the timer runs

• The first urge to stop usually arrives early. Sit through it once and the second one is quieter.
• Notice whether you are working or performing work. They look similar from the outside.
• When you finish a piece, pause for three seconds before starting the next. It keeps the pace honest.
• If you feel restless, change your posture rather than your task.

3 When it ends

• Leave the file open if you are coming back. Closing it makes restarting harder.
• Write one line about where to start next time. Future you will be grateful.
• Put the notes you made where you will find them next time.

4What to put on

café murmur — The blur of other people talking, with none of the words close enough to follow. Some people concentrate better with a low level of company.