The Focus Readiness Score (0–100)

The Deep Work Planner produces a Focus Readiness Score between 0 and 100. The goal is not to label you as “good” or “bad” at focus. The goal is to choose a block size and structure that matches today’s conditions. If you plan a 120‑minute block on a 35/100 day, your schedule is fighting your biology, context, and attention. On a high‑readiness day, a longer uninterrupted block can be a superpower.

Each slider is rated from 1 to 10. Two sliders represent “headwinds” rather than “tailwinds,” so we invert them: Distractions becomes a Protection score, and Recovery need becomes a Freshness score. Higher protection and freshness both increase readiness.

• Energy = energy
• Clarity = clarity
• Protection = 11 − distractions
• Urgency = urgency (with a mild “too urgent” penalty)
• Difficulty = difficulty (used mainly to size the block)
• Freshness = 11 − recovery

Some variables matter more than others. In practice, clarity and distraction protection often determine whether you get “stuck” or glide. Energy also matters — but with a good setup, you can still do meaningful work on medium‑energy days.

• Clarity: 24%
• Protection (inverted distractions): 22%
• Energy: 20%
• Freshness (inverted recovery need): 14%
• Urgency: 12%
• Difficulty: 8% (light influence on readiness, stronger on block length)

We compute a weighted score on a 1–10 scale and then scale it to 0–100 using: Readiness = ((weighted − 1) / 9) × 100. That means “all 1s” maps near 0, and “all 10s” maps near 100.

A deep work plan has three decisions: (1) block length, (2) break length, and (3) number of blocks. The planner selects these based on your readiness, difficulty, and available time.

• Block length grows as readiness rises (and as difficulty rises). Low readiness → shorter blocks to reduce friction. High readiness → longer blocks to reduce context switching.
• Break length increases when freshness is low or when difficulty is high, because your brain needs more recovery between sprints.
• Block count is capped: usually 1–4 blocks per day. More is not always better; “deep work” is cognitively expensive.

Finally, the planner creates a short ritual tailored to your weakest inputs. If clarity is low, it suggests defining the next step before trying to “focus harder.” If protection is low, it suggests an environment change or friction against interruptions. Small levers beat heroic willpower.

A simple deep work routine

Deep work is less about grinding and more about making the correct bet: the right task, at the right time, in the right environment. Use this planner as a quick pre‑flight check.

• Choose one target task: a single outcome you can describe in one sentence.
• Define “done”: a draft, a solved bug, a designed outline, 10 pages read with notes — something concrete.
• Pick an entry step: the first 2 minutes (open file, write heading, run tests, sketch outline).
• Remove one distraction: phone away, notifications off, extra tabs closed.
• Set a timer: commit to the block length the planner recommends.

• Work in one window: if you need the internet, open only what’s required.
• Capture impulses: write “later” notes instead of switching tasks (e.g., “reply to email after block”).
• Keep a single metric: pages, paragraphs, test cases, lines refactored, diagrams created.

• Take the break you planned: walk, stretch, water, sunlight — avoid doomscrolling if possible.
• Write the next step: make it easy for “future you” to restart.
• Stop at the end: deep work quality drops when you ignore fatigue signals.

If you plan for the week, treat your results as a menu, not a prison. The most effective schedule is the one you repeat. Consistency beats intensity — especially for high‑value cognitive work.

Three realistic scenarios

Example 1 — “I have time, but I feel scattered.”
Available time: 180 minutes. Energy 5, clarity 4, distractions 8, urgency 6, difficulty 7, recovery 6. Your readiness will likely land in the lower‑middle range. The planner will recommend shorter blocks (for example, 2 × 35–45 minutes) with longer breaks and a strong “protection ritual.” That might look like: phone away, one tab open, and a 5‑minute clarity step (“write the next three sub‑tasks”). Outcome: you still make progress without expecting superhero focus.

Example 2 — “I’m clear and energized, but I’m tempted to overdo it.”
Available time: 240 minutes. Energy 8, clarity 9, distractions 3, urgency 7, difficulty 8, recovery 3. High readiness day. The planner may recommend two long blocks (like 75–90 minutes each) with moderate breaks. It will also remind you to avoid “accidental marathon mode.” Even on great days, taking breaks protects tomorrow’s productivity.

Example 3 — “Only 45 minutes, but the task is important.”
Available time: 45 minutes. Energy 6, clarity 7, distractions 6, urgency 8, difficulty 6, recovery 5. The planner will likely recommend one focused block (25–35 minutes) plus a short break. When time is small, the goal is “ship something small.” A single deep work sprint can be a huge win.

• 0–39: don’t force long blocks — reduce friction, do a small starter block, or do admin tasks.
• 40–64: workable — use 25–50 minute blocks and protect the first 10 minutes.
• 65–84: strong — you can do 50–90 minute blocks; keep breaks clean.
• 85–100: locked‑in — schedule your hardest work here, but still avoid overtraining.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this Pomodoro?

  It can be. Pomodoro is a great default (25/5). This planner goes one level deeper: if your readiness is high and the task is hard, 60–90 minute blocks may be better; if readiness is low, even 15–25 minutes can be a win.

• Why include urgency? Doesn’t pressure hurt focus?

  Pressure is a double‑edged sword. A little urgency helps you start; too much urgency creates anxiety and context switching. The planner gives urgency a modest weight and applies a small penalty when urgency is extremely high.

• What’s the single best lever if my plan looks “bad”?

  Improve clarity. If you can write the next step in one sentence, focus becomes cheaper. A 5‑minute “define next step” can turn a scattered day into a workable day.

• How many deep work blocks should I do per day?

  Most people top out around 1–4 quality blocks depending on task type and energy. This tool caps block count because attention is finite. The goal is consistent output, not exhaustion.

• What if I get interrupted?

  Treat interruptions as normal, then reduce recurrence. Save your work, write a “restart note,” and resume when possible. Next time, increase protection: do the block earlier, change location, or set a “do not disturb” boundary.

• Does this replace a calendar or task manager?

  No. It complements them. Think of it as a “focus thermostat”: it helps you pick the right intensity and structure for the day.

Make deep work easier than distraction

The highest‑leverage deep work skill is not endurance — it’s environment design. Your brain follows the path of least resistance. If distractions are one click away, you will eventually take that click. If you add friction to distractions and remove friction from your task, deep work becomes the default.

• Phone out of room: not on desk, not in pocket. “Out of sight” is the point.
• One‑tab rule: open only what’s required for this block.
• Block entry step: keep a “start here” note so restarting is cheap.
• Noise policy: pick one (silence / white noise / focus playlist) and keep it consistent.
• Boundary sentence: “I’m in a focus block until ____. Can we talk after?”

• Lower the block length by 50% and start anyway.
• Make the next step embarrassingly small (2 minutes).
• Change the environment: new room, library, café, or even a different chair.
• Use a “temptation bundling” reward after the block (coffee, walk, short video).

Over time, your deep work capacity grows like fitness. Start with blocks you can repeat, then gradually increase length. Your goal is to build an identity: “I do one protected block most days.” That habit is worth more than any perfect plan.