Where to anchor sessionsUse dedicated tracks for interview prep, coding drills, and writing/reading tasks.Separate silent deep-work rooms from discussion-heavy recap rooms.Keep room descriptions explicit so people join the right format quickly.
Scheduling realityMorning block (7:00-9:00 AM PT): strongest deep-focus slot.Lunch block (12:00-1:30 PM PT): quick execution/review loop.Evening block (6:00-8:30 PM PT): overlap for mixed professional schedules.
Host prompts that workKickoff prompt: What is your shipped output this cycle?Midpoint prompt: Is your scope still realistic?Wrap prompt: Post one artifact and one follow-up task.
0-8 min: setup and friction removalDefine the exact output for Columbia work and remove one likely distraction before the timer starts.
8-33 min: deep sprintCommit to one high-friction task. Capture blockers in one line instead of context switching.
33-40 min: reset and diagnoseTake a short break, review what slowed you down, and adjust the next block for your local timing.
40-60 min: finish and recapShip one concrete output and write the first action for your next session.
Picking a room but no specific taskStart each block with one concrete outcome such as a section, set, or commit.
Leaving timer settings at default for every taskAdjust block length by workload: quick review for short tasks, longer blocks for deep work.
Morning launch in San FranciscoUse one short sprint for your hardest cognitive task before inbox and notifications accumulate.
Late-afternoon rescue in San FranciscoRun a focused block to recover stalled tasks and prevent evening overload.
Night consolidation in San FranciscoWrap with review + planning so tomorrow starts with a clear first action.
Retrieval practiceRecall answers before checking notes. Use recap prompts that force memory retrieval.
Is this useful for complete beginners?Yes. Start with one tiny measurable outcome and one full cycle before adding complexity.
Should I change room formats often?No. Run at least two cycles in one format, then switch only if task fit is clearly poor.
How do I avoid passive studying in this setup?Use retrieval prompts and explicit outputs in each block rather than rereading.
What is the minimum viable session outcome?One completed deliverable plus a written first step for the next session.