[dctoedt]

I've found it helpful to keep setting a countdown timer for 15- or 20-minute work intervals and 5-minute "goof off" intervals. That seems to be just enough to overcome inertia.

There's a small, inexpensive multi-function timer made by National Presto and available at Ace Hardware among other places - http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/presto-4-in-1-electroni...

For Windows Vista sidebar gadgets, there's an online stopwatch that works OK. http://www.online-stopwatch.com/vista-sidebar-stopwatch-gadg...