Pomodoro Technique

I've had a lot of success with the pomodoro technique. You start with a todo list for the day and then do work in 25 minute chunks with 5 minutes off in between each chunk. I've found that giving myself those 5 minutes of time to deliberately not work makes it much easier to actually focus for the 25 minutes when I am working. It also forces you to look at what you're doing every 25 minutes so you don't head of down rabbit holes.

Have you tried the Pomodoro technique[1] by any chance? If not, it might be worth a shot.[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique

This might help https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique

you might consider the Pomodoro technique, i.e. working in chunks of 25 minutes with 100% focus, then taking a 5 minute break. http://pomodorotechnique.com

I've had the most luck with a pomodoro timer. You basically commit to working for 15-30 minutes, then you take a short break. Take the breaks: they make your focus periods better. Meditating for a few minutes during breaks helps me. Try to shift your mindset from always drinking from the dopamine fountain, and tell yourself that it's a reward when you browse for a little bit during a break. Just make sure you start working again when the break is over.Nothing is foolproof. Good luck

This is something I struggle with too! One thing that's helped me lately is to adopt the Pomodoro Technique: work with laser-like intensity on one thing for a short burst, then take a break and slack for a few minutes. With a timer set to keep you on track, you can gradually increase the length of the focused "dashes," and if you're on a roll at the end of a dash, you can always extend and keep going.

Let me step back a tad and comment on your use case, i.e. needing to be reminded to work and not procrastinate. I largely solved this problem by adopting the Pomodoro technique. Following it, I subdivide my work time into periods of concentrated work (20mn in my case) and relaxation (3-5mn). This increases my effective work stamina very much, helps with motivation, and has other benefits. Related literature is plentiful.

Ever look into the pomodoro technique?[1]I use it with the pomotodo app: https://pomotodo.com/Give it an earnest try for ~3days, I'll bet you're addicted by the end of it.[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPC9zPnmXRk

For big tasks, I break them down into really small tasks. Crossing things off of a list really motivates me to continue.I use the Pomodoro technique. I work for 25 minutes and then take a 5 minute break. My 25 minute stretch of work is actual work - no looking at my phone, the NY Times, or Twitter. Then my break is an actual break. I'll leave my office, sit on TikTok or walk around my yard.I use noise canceling headphones and listen to electronic music or make a nice blend of white no

You can try pomodoro timers technique. You try to focus for only 25 minutes at a time and then give yourself some slack. Hopefully after you will see what you achieved in those 25 focused minutes will motivate you to repeat that exercise. I use FocusBit app for that, but there're plenty of pomodoro timers, you name it. The main trick is to get a ticking timer in front of you if nothing else can motivate you.