For any focused work session, we should prevent the distractions we can control.

The sign needn't be real - signaling to people you're going to do some focused work is enough.

We often struggle with internal distractions. We get restless, bored, frustrated, or anxious about the task.

• A good ritual should be accessible most of the time you plan to work. If you focus best in a library, but it is closed on weekends when you need it, it is not a good ritual.
• It should assist with getting into work, not adding steps that tu...

Anxiety is a cause of procrastination. You feel your upcoming work will be difficult, so you find a way to distract yourself.

Wearing headphones can block out some of the ambient sounds and create a subtle barrier to being interrupted.

Keep a time log of when you do focused work throughout the day. It makes focus more noteworthy than the feeling of being busy all day.