Focus Timer: Train your brain to start (and stop) on cue

Need a study tool that’s simple, repeatable, and actually makes starting easier? The Focus Timer is a tiny routine you do every session so your brain learns: “When X happens, we work. When Y happens, we stop.” Use the same start and end cues each time - it builds a habit that beats procrastination.

How to do it — pick a session

• Short: 20 minutes work / 5 min break

• Classic: 25 / 5 (default)

• Deep: 50 / 10

Use whichever fits your energy. The cues are what matter.

Step-by-step (one session)

1. Prep (30–60 sec)

   • Pick one specific goal: “Read ch. 4 + 10 notes” or “Finish questions 1–10.”

   • Put your phone away (out of reach) or on Do Not Disturb.

   • Set your timer for the session length.

2. Start cue (do the exact same thing every time)

   • Examples: flip your timer, tap the desk twice, play the same 5-sec sound, or say “Go” out loud.

   • Immediately after the cue, start the timer and begin the task — no scrolling, no planning.

3. Work (single-task)

   • Focus only on the chosen goal. If a distracting thought pops up, write it on a scrap of paper and return to work.

   • If stuck, take one tiny step: read the first sentence, solve the first part, write the first bullet.

4. End cue (the exact same end ritual each session)

   • When the timer stops, stop. Say your end cue (e.g., “Done”) or clap once.

   • Mark what you finished (tick the task, add a short note). This closes the loop and trains your brain that the cue = completion.

5. Break (5–10 min)

   • Move: stand, stretch, breathe. Don’t jump straight into another screen unless it’s part of a clear plan. Then repeat.

Why it works (short)

• Repeating the same start/end signals trains your nervous system — the cues become mental buttons that jumpstart focus and signal release.

• A clear, single goal prevents fuzzy multitasking.

• The end ritual prevents sessions from bleeding into stress-seshes — you actually get the reward of closure.

Pro moves

• Use the same 2–3 second audio or physical action every session (consistency is the power move).

• Keep a simple log: date / session length / 1-line result. Seeing progress is motivating.

• If you’re interrupted, treat it as a pause: note where you stopped, restart with the same start cue.

If you’re panicking about time

• Do one 20-min session with a tiny goal (1 paragraph, 3 problems). You’ll usually do more once you start.

In the Room — quick checklist

• ✅ Timer set for chosen session length

• ✅ One clear goal written down (1 line)

• ✅ Start cue chosen and ready (e.g., “Go” / tap)

• ✅ Phone out of reach / DND on

• ✅ Pen, paper, water handy

💡 Same start. 🛑 Same stop. 🏆 Small wins add up.