[sailfast]

I recommend blocking out time to concentrate. I find lead time is definitely required to get progress from mode to mode. If you've got a meeting or something else scheduled every 20 minutes your brain won't lock in. If you're in a corporate environment (like me) you need to work hard on this and keep your meetings blocked together or keep your calendar free. Knock out the morning admin and tasks and you have all afternoon and evening to work and progress. This applies to code but also for phone calls - once you start, try not to stop until your mind needs a break. Keep calling, keep pitching, keep coding.

As for mode 3 - it can be tough to get to Mode 3 in a corporate setting because often you've not been given the freedom to think in a way that can lead to Mode 3, but it does happen. For me I just need some runway of time to settle in.