Deep, uninterrupted focus time has become harder to come by, but it's also more valuable, since complex or creative work rarely happens well in short, interrupted bursts.
Start smaller than you think you need to
If your current attention span for focused work is closer to 20 minutes than two hours, start there rather than forcing a longer block you're not ready for. Building the habit gradually is more sustainable than an ambitious first attempt that fails.
Remove the easiest sources of interruption
Turning off notifications and putting your phone in another room removes the majority of interruptions most people face during a focus session, without needing any more complicated system.
Protect the same time block each day
Focus becomes easier over time when it happens at a consistent time of day, since your energy and expectations start to align with that slot rather than requiring willpower to start fresh each time.
Prepare the task before the session starts
Deciding what you'll work on during the session itself wastes some of your best focus. Choose the specific task the night before or right at the start of your day, so the session begins with action rather than planning.
Track sessions, not just hours
Counting how many focus sessions you complete each week, rather than only tracking total hours worked, tends to be a more motivating and more accurate measure of deep, meaningful progress.