Friction For Focus.
It hit me when it's too easy to switch projects - when they're are too many visual cues to distract you. When you view idleness as your enemy... you are actually creating friction for focus.
A good application of the concept is to create a NLM on a topic... and you only work in that Notebook. But that Notebook becomes a super powered "binder" that contains everything related to that project (topic).
This is why adopting a system like GTD or a tool like Logseq is valuable. It's a way to connect all the data. There's also Zettlekasten to dive deeper.
It's getting ever more difficult in the age of AI. As someone who wants to be knowledgable on every topic, it's tempting to take all the data I can grab and drop it into NLM. I started doing this in a NLM with assets I've collected over the years on Earl Nightengale - someone who has perhaps had a bigger influence on my life than most. The NLM is called "Ask Earl" and I can now interact with Earl whenever I need advice.
Consider Email has conditioned us in a bad way to try to switch gears (unsuccessfully) to another project... Rather than using email, I use AuthorDock, where emails only serve as a notification for an update on a milestone or project. This allows you to isolate the thread of thought to a single project.
One of the better ideas I've had!
While I want to remove as much friction as possible for my clients, it's resulted in a breakdown of barriers. When my clients have the ability to contact me via email, phone, or text - 24/7, on any topic... it's resulted in being spread too thin and to a common feeling of overwhelm.
The concept I'm looking to implement is Office Hours. It's about blocking out specific time during the day for clients to book a time to visit (in person or remotely). Just like a doctors office, there's a copay. If they don't have an existing retainer (insurance), then payment is full at time of visit. The same way many doctors are moving to concierge plans, I've had an open door policy - which has both helped & hurt me.
The key to implementing this type of system is a booking system tied to my google calendar so I can't be overbooked. It also requires that I promptly conclude meetings when planned to be available for the next client. I also add a 15-20 minute buffer for 'check out' to collect payment and write any prescriptions (next actions). Also make notes in my NLM/AuthorDock for the client about the visit. This allows me to quickly get back up to speed on their next visit.
Of course, we're looking to automate the scheduling and billing as much as possible. If a client signs up for an available slot, but fails to show up, there's a no-show fee. This is all spelled out in B&W during the inpatient / onboarding process (which requires they fill out online forms).
The point is that you do want to create a little friction at the start, but make the barrier of entry as low as you can. The framework we adhere to allows us to be more effective with our 'patient care' later.
Free clinics need funding.
The fastest way to go out of business (and burn yourself out) is to adopt a free clinic concept. It's easy to fall into this trap as most people fail to recognize the value of your time or have never worked for themselves. Sure, they recognize the value of their time, and we're wired to be self-absorbed - self reliant - self ??
One of the primary reasons things take longer than we expect is because we fail to account for friction.
Distractions are a form of friction.
Friction is what pulls us out of flow.