How to Plan a Focus Block Around One Question

A vague focus block can turn into reading, rearranging, and half-starting. A question gives the block a job.

Write the question first

Use a question that can be answered by work: What should this proposal recommend? Which metric changed? What is the smallest usable draft? The answer becomes the output.

Keep materials close

Open only the files, notes, and references needed to answer the question. Extra context often feels responsible but slows the first decision.

End with the answer state

At the end, write what you now know, what remains uncertain, and the next action. That makes the block useful even if the whole project is not finished.