My Focus Stack: How I Protect 90 Minutes of Deep Work

When I need a real 60 to 90-minute deep work block, I pick the right place for the job. If I am handling emails, writing, or location scouting, a coffee shop works well. The casual ambience helps me find a steady flow. If I am designing or doing work that needs more acute focus, I sit at my desk with the dual monitors. I keep my tools close: pen and paper, a physical to-do list, a timer, and a spot for hard drives and SD cards. I put on lo-fi or soundtrack music without lyrics and settle in.

Distractions are a real factor for me, so I treat them directly. I have light ADHD, and that means I need clear boundaries. My phone goes on Do Not Disturb, and notifications are blocked. I commit to the focus block first, then I check messages afterward so nothing important is missed. Social media is the hardest habit to break. The most reliable way I have found is to put the phone in another room or remove the apps entirely. Distance works.

My day begins with God. I have been using ChatGPT to build themed devotionals with specific scripture and journal prompts. That structure keeps me grounded and keeps my reading intentional. I am not flipping at random. I am entering the day with focus and purpose.

To choose what I work on, I keep a simple triage system. I mark tasks as 1, 2, or 3, then I pick one 1 for the session. I try to select the hardest item first. Even a small step on a difficult task creates momentum and makes it easier to return later if I run out of time or energy.

I protect my breaks. I work for 45 minutes, then rest for 15. During the break, I stand up, move around, tidy something small, and drink water. That quick reset saves my eyes and my brain so I can come back sharp.

This is the stack: choose the right environment, control the phone, start with God, pick the hardest task, and respect the 45 and 15 rhythm. It is simple, but it works. Try it for a week and see what changes.