Seconded. I have found the Pomodoro method is a great way to stay focussed. I even use the pomodoro mode in Spacemacs and there are simple apps available for iOS/Android.
For being interrupted by apps I generally invert control E.g.
- Disable notifications and decide to check a few times a day instead
- Close apps when I’m focussing.
For being interrupted by humans
- Make good use of a calendar and let people know my availability
- Use calendar to block of focussing time for tasks requiring periods of longer concentration
- Not be afraid to say I’m in the middle of something I’ll come find you in a bit unless it’s urgent when prodded physically.
- Changing my status message on instant messaging apps/web meeting apps to let people know I’m not always monitoring them (e.g. “I check for DM’s multiple times a day”) to set a level of expectation.
For being interrupted by apps I generally invert control E.g. - Disable notifications and decide to check a few times a day instead
- Close apps when I’m focussing.
For being interrupted by humans - Make good use of a calendar and let people know my availability
- Use calendar to block of focussing time for tasks requiring periods of longer concentration
- Not be afraid to say I’m in the middle of something I’ll come find you in a bit unless it’s urgent when prodded physically.
- Changing my status message on instant messaging apps/web meeting apps to let people know I’m not always monitoring them (e.g. “I check for DM’s multiple times a day”) to set a level of expectation.