I find it quite challenging to keep myself focused continuously on the current task while continuously being distracted by some random email, chat, blog, rss feed... etc.
Several time I think of unplugging my net connection and concentrate on the task at hand. It works, till I feel that I should search up something and few moments later I find myself stocking around those distractions again.
What special 'trick' do you use to keep yourself focused for a continuous block of time?
Quit ICQ, don't check new e-mails automatically, and start reading book about time management. :)
I try to set a block of time out for the task at hand. Don't check any email that comes in or incoming IMs. If you can't fight the temptation, turn off off any notices of incoming mail or IMs. Since you may want to look something up, leave the net on but the browser closed. Once your block of time is up (I usually try to work one to two hour blocks) check your emails and other stuff that came up. Hope this helps.
That's all I do actually.
I do all my non-productive stuff in Windows, and my productive stuff in Linux. The different environment keeps me on track.
I just go to library, away from room and ssh into my machine and code... or some place like a lab or something. If I'm in my room, I'd just disconnect internet if I'm "just" coding or put my firewall rules to block some sites that I go too often ... ok stackoverflow is quickly making to that list.
Also, when you're working, making the window full screen and hiding taskbar, not logging into networks like AIM, MSN helps a ton... if you really need to, just have one for people you need to do business or code with.
About IRC, just join what you need, else just disconnect...
I generally find if I genuinely enjoy the task at hand, it is harder to distract me from it. So I guess really enjoying what you are doing helps.