When working in a monotonous environment it can quickly become easy to think that just because you are working on small quiet projects at your desk that you should be fearful of taking breaks. "I’m sitting at my desk all day," you’ll think, "What do I need to take breaks for? I’m just sitting here." Well that is just the point. You are sitting all day long with no timed goals or stopping points. How does one deem success when they are simply working nonstop, well, forever. With some small spurts and goals a person can attain a level of accomplishment easily, in a short span of time.

Imagine the level of productivity, time, and money you could save avoiding the work waste spend checking your email or status updates every three minutes. Use the following simple list of steps to start setting goals, stop wasting time, and find deeper satisfaction in your work.

1. Use quick and short bursts of defined productivity time. Work in integrals of 10-15 minutes. Slowly work your way to a half hour. Once you have found the skill to block off thirty minute intervals you’ll see real and severe results.

2. Minimize communication unless that is the defined goal. Don’t justify quick hellos, phone calls, or even "emergencies" to ruin your productivity. Obviously use your judgement with the emergency category. Just remember that a design tweek is never an emergency. This will go a long way in managing your clients as well. Move past a few sudden "necessary" calls and slowly they will learn to communicate to you in more effective and realistic ways.

3. Don’t play email ping pong. Immediate communication is an ultimate strength and epic weakness of the current working world. Emailing in rapid succession can be a huge drain. Particularly once you hit a point where you wonder why you just can’t have a three minute call and end it. This can also fall right into the previously disclosed area of emergency calls though, so tread lightly and pick your battles.

4. Set goals for yourself that you can reach. Don’t pretend that just because it is desk work that it is infallibly easy. Events can arise, the computer may die, and your simple project may be out in the dark.

5. Enjoy what you have accomplished. Take pride, and take a break. The Internet is a fun place and should be kept that way. It’s important though, to remember where to draw the line.

People may offer you all types of tips, tricks, and solutions but only you can find the correct way to succeed on your own. Use others advice sparingly, follow your gut, and you’ll be on your way.