The One-Tab Rule: How to Focus in a World of Distractions

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Do This (2 Minutes)

1. Pick one goal. Write, design, or reply — just one.
2. Close every other tab. Email, news, chat, socials → gone.
3. Run a 25/5 block. Start a Pomodoro; decide after the break whether to continue the same tab.

Why it Works

• Less context switching. One tab = one mental model.
• Friction beats impulse. Re-opening a tab takes effort; you’ll skip it.
• Identity cue. You become the person who single-tasks.

Tools (Affiliate-Ready)

• OneTab — collapse all tabs into one list. (Add your affiliate link.)
• StayFocusd/Freedom — block high-distraction sites during work blocks.
• Pomofocus — dead-simple 25/5 timer.

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase.

Quick Playbook

• Start page = blank. No news feeds.
• Pin only the active tab.
• End-of-day reset: close all tabs → done.

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FAQ

What about research days?

Use OneTab to park links, then work inside a single doc. Re-open links intentionally.

Can I keep email open?

Batch it. One 25-minute block for inbox, then close.

Related Reads

• The 2-Minute Start
• The 3-App Focus Stack
• A 90-Second Deep-Work Warmup