Focus blocks: getting deep work done in a distracted day
Switching between tasks feels busy but rarely feels finished. Setting aside one protected block for one task changes what a day can hold.
By Daniel Okafor, Senior writer
3 min read
Most workdays are made of fragments. A few minutes on a report, a reply to a message, a meeting, back to the report. Each switch costs a little attention, and by the end of the day the important work is only half done.
What a focus block is
A focus block is a set period, often 45 to 90 minutes, where you work on one thing only. No inbox, no chat, no checking your phone. When the block ends, you take a proper break.
Setting one up
- Choose the task before the block starts, and write it down.
- Put the block on your calendar so others can see it.
- Close email and chat, and silence notifications.
- Keep a notepad nearby to jot down stray thoughts for later.
Start with one a day
One protected block is plenty to begin with. Many people find the morning works best, before messages pile up. If an hour feels long at first, start with 30 minutes and build up.
“One task, one block, one clear finish.”
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