"To be truly productive, you can’t rely on hacks or apps or new technologies. – You need to develop your own sustainable system, a set of routines and practices that serves as the foundation of your work." https://forge.medium.com/you-dont-need-more-motivation-you-need-a-system-84f4bf12c4bb

Seriously, being a freelance artist & an entrepreneur and business owner I've constantly struggled with this battle of distraction. The only way I've found to win through those hours of procrastination is to find those routines & stick to them. Not only will move you forward...

... but allow you to slip into a productive faster mode after being away.

When I wake up I have a series of motions that I go through to get me alert & ready for work. I pay close attention to what I eat because it affects my mood = work quality.
I practice setting my tasks ...

... down on paper or organizing them into no more than 3 things in my head.

I break larger tasks down into bite-sized pieces. A novel can't be illustrated in one day, but 1 illustration can be in just a few hours. I work ahead so I'm not running up against deadlines in a panic.

Exercise has been a huge factor in helping me maintain an energized brain, one that's ready to tackle large and complex projects. A walk stimulates & gets my gears turning.
I have difficulty allowing myself to take breaks so scheduled time with friends is always a must.

I limit social media time but this is sadly where I frequently give in to scrolling. I'm practicing simply being intentional with my time & closing things vs the apps I've tried that block etc. The apps don't work but building up my mental fortitude with clear intentions has.

What are some of the routines you use to keep you out of the procrastination loop?