To build discipline and focus, try using a timer. Variations of this are called the pomodoro technique. Set a time for work and a time for play/breaks/distracti

To build discipline and focus, try using a timer. Variations of this are called the pomodoro technique. Set a time for work and a time for play/breaks/distractions. One possibility is 45 minutes of working, 15 minutes off. Use the 15 minutes to read HN, reply to emails or IMs, read about that thing you just remembered on Wikipedia. If you have ideas or compulsions that get into your head and feel urgent, take a moment to write them down to look at during your break time. If your work is less pressing or your distractibility is more intense you could try 15 minutes on and 25 off. The cool part about this technique is you can increase the amount of work time as your focus improves.