What’s that over there?

Distractions are the bane of my life.
Not just my writing life, but in general. It's worse when I write, though.
Whether it's surfing the net, or playing an online game (Bad me!), a good movie on TV, or a book I'm dying to read — it's too easy to be distracted.
I am not the only one who has a problem staying focused, it's a common affliction for those of us with the attention span of an average goldfish.
Part of it has to do with the sheer number of distractions available to us today. Part of it is simply down to a lack of self discipline.

So what can you do to be less prone to procrastination?

I find there are some steps I can take to minimise how suceptible I am.

• I close email, browser windows, and any application I don't need to use.
• I get myself a cup of coffee (or make a pot) before I sit down to write.
• I get a snack before I sit down to write.
• I have a cigarette before I sit down to write. (I don't smoke indoors.)
• I set up my music to something I like. (I use headphones btw)
• I close the door, so no one disturbs me while I write.
• I often turn the phone down (won't help to take it off the hook, it'll only ring on the other phone then.)
• I get the reference books I plan on using out and stacked next to me.
• If you have a dog, walk it before you start.
• If you have kids… uh well. Try giving them something to do where they don't need to disturb you? (Don't have any, so I can't help you there.)
• If you're prone to headaches (like I am), have some Aspirin or Ibuprofen handy by your desk.
• I don't have a TV in the room where I write. Never did and never will. If you have one there… get rid of it. (No, I'm serious.) At least don't turn it on!

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
I don't do all those things every time, but the coffee and music is a ritual of mine.

I'm not saying this works for everyone. I'm not saying this works every time for me, or that I do this every time.
But it's a start, and it's worth a shot, right?

Any other suggestions?