Before starting, make sure you choose and write down 2 (only 2!) options of high value for the day. Don't further analyse your to-do list without completing at least something in both.
Of course your day will be full of "fires" that you'll have to deal with immediately. The important is: when you come back from the fire, what do you do? This trick is: while you still have the 2-options-guide to deal with, don't go and check the e-mail or reassess your to-do list. The choice has been made. Trust it. Respect it. Look for blockings if you feel you are avoiding the task.
related trick: |T| Detect and Unblock valuable tasks
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This TRICK is really valuable and useful! It gives me direction throughout the day and helps me avoiding distractions! Whenever I make my "guide for the day", I stick to it and accomplish it my day is truly rewarding, so when I leave work I usually have a big smile! This helps a ton to make my Great Days!