I still do quite a bit of coding besides my work managing a team of software developers. I frequently dedicate solid blocks of time to coding work on specific projects. They are usually one to two-hour blocks. I minimize large interruptions during those periods by blocking my calendar, minimizing my email inbox and closing my internet browser.
There’s a more subtle type of interruption I haven’t eliminated. I’ve known of it for years, but I’m giving it my “undivided” attention after I heard Carl Newport and James Altucher discuss its effects.
I’m talking about the brief interruptions I still allow into my workflow.