Clear the physical field
Move dishes, packaging, papers, and unrelated objects away from the work area. Do not reorganize the entire office. You are creating enough visual space for the next task, not staging a productivity photo.
Close digital tabs
Save anything you truly need and close the rest. Keep only the tabs required for the current task plus your calendar or communication tool if necessary. Browser clutter is still clutter.
Write the next visible action
Do not write 'finish project.' Write the next action that can be completed: outline the first section, call the supplier, review rows 1–50, or reply to Maria. Specific actions reduce the effort of deciding where to begin.
Work for one short block
Set a timer for twenty-five minutes and protect that block from optional input. When it ends, stand up for two minutes before deciding whether to continue. A reset should help you restart, not trap you in a three-hour sprint.
End by making tomorrow easier
Before leaving the desk, write a one-line note about where to resume. Future you should not have to reconstruct the entire context in the morning.