When you are working, work

We have all gotten lost on a link-hopping adventure when we were supposed to be doing serious work. In the article linked above, Samantha John shares some useful tips on how to stay on task. The gist:

• Pair programming—it’s hard to check your email when you are working collaboratively with another person.
• Firewall distracting sites (we’re looking at you, Facebook).
• Take real, intentional breaks that involve walking away from the computer.
• Work in a dedicated space, or at least one that you don’t associate with recreation.
• Break down and organize tasks before you get started—doing so will help keep the momentum going.
• Set clear stopping points—real work deserves real rewards; it’s hard to get motivated when there’s no end in sight.