How to deal with distractions

I try to attain focus rather than avoid distractions. At the end of the day, I want to make progress and that will happen only if I can focus on my tasks. Some distraction is unavoidable, and hence should not derail a good day because of the annoyance it may cause. Here's what I do to focus:

1. Plan the day. Can be done last thing on the previous day or the first thing on this day.

2. Leave room for unexpected tasks.

3. Leave room for "living life" outside of your work.

4. Execute on the plan with the goal of accomplishing it on the same day.

5. When distracted -- either by colleagues or by your own urge to surf the Internet -- try to get back on track as soon as possible, without losing your cool.

6. At the end of the day, learn from your experience and use that as input to your next day's plan.

7. Go to 1.