Focus blocks that actually stay focused

A focus block is a slot in your day with one job. It sounds simple. Yet most blocks fall apart in the first ten minutes, because a message arrives or the task turns out to be vague.

Set up the block before it starts

A block works when you decide three things ahead of time: what you will make, how long you will work, and what you will ignore. “Work on report” is too vague. “Write the first page of the report” is clear.

• Name one result for the block.

• Keep it between 45 and 90 minutes.

• Close mail and chat before you start.

• Write down stray thoughts instead of acting on them.

Plan a short break after every block. Stand up, drink water, look out of a window. A real break makes the next block easier.

Finally, protect the time. Put the block on your calendar as if it were a meeting with someone you respect. Most days you will not manage every block. That is fine. Two good blocks beat five broken ones.