I've experiment with how long I can really focus on whatever I'm doing. When it's something creative, like writing or drawing, I usually work in chunks of 45 minutes (or longer if it's really flowing).
However, I've discovered that for admin stuff I work best when it's only 15 minutes at a time (these are all little tasks, like going through paperwork). I don't take a long break inbetween these quarter hours, just long enough to get a drink of water or do a quick answer to an email, etc.
Anyway, a very useful and simple and free tool I've found is the countdown timer at www.online-stopwatch.com. You choose which of the two functions you want (stopwatch or timer), set the time, and press the button. I usually leave the timer on screen, and it also sounds a tone when the time is up.
If you'd like to experiment with timed focus sessions, give it a try.
(There are tips about how to be more productive in my free monthly Brainstorm e-bulletin. To subscribe, just send an email request to [email protected])
