My problem is that I need to write. I get so excited by the flow of ideas that I pace around and cannot write. Worse, I sometimes get so excited that I think outloud. I think my neighbors can hear me eloquently explaining stuff. I then procrastinate the actual transmission of the thoughtflow into a workflow. I get really tired when I write my ideas. (Not when posting, but when making it a composition.) I need to write, not pace. How?
I can totally relate to this. I have to write volumes of website content, sales copy and proposals on a regular basis (yawn) and I work from home. It is HAAAAARD to focus especially because my mind is always swirling with thoughts. Here is what I do, you can see if it sounds like it may be helpful to you.
1) De-clutter your space (even better, de-clutter your life). Having crap everywhere is an epic distraction for me. I am not a freakishly neat person, but the first thing I do in the morning before I even start work, is get my space cleared out, dishes washed, floors swept, etc. Having a reasonably neat, clutter free environment is surprisingly important in my productivity.
2) Treat your work day like a work day - I've had to lay down the law with my family and friends. No personal calls between 9-5. No going to the mall. Nothing that wouldn't be acceptable if I had a boss watching me (except for the slippers...lol).
3) I know this may sound strange, but when I am having one of those days that my head is full of chatter, the first thing I do is mindfulness meditation. It is basically a practice not of suppressing your mind but allowing all of your thoughts to flow freely through your mind without judgment. For me it is kind of like clearing out the clutter - I have taken 15 min to allow myself to clear my mind by giving each thought it's due, now I am ready to work. I know this may not be for everyone, but is highly effective for me.
4) Set reasonable goals and write them down before you do a thing. I set goals with benchmarks throughout the day (this done by 10AM, this done by lunch). If I finish in front of a benchmark, I allow myself to play (like visiting typology central)...kind of like my own little reward system. Especially when getting started, set very simple goals...you may think you should be able to write 10 pages by lunch, but if your current rate is 0, start off with 2 pages and work up to 10. Also, when you reach your goal STOP! Enjoy your accomplishment and stick to your schedule.
5) Now that you have your goals set, get to work! If your mind starts to wander, do 2-5 min of the mindfulness meditation, then refocus.
6) Take a walk at lunch time. Get out and walk (or perform some other physical activity) for 15-30 min. It helps me feel less "trapped" and it is much easier to refocus.
7) When it is time to stop for the day STOP! Try not to obsess about work in the evenings because it'll wear you out (at least it does me) and become an incredible burden. If you find yourself obsessing after working hours, try the mindfulness meditation to clear the thoughts and then go and enjoy your personal life
That's what I do. It's pretty effective for me...let me know if you think it may work for you.