The Hardware Essentials

Four items do most of the work: a second monitor, comfortable keyboard, sharp webcam, and noise-canceling headphones. The second monitor is the one few people regret; more screen means less window-juggling and fewer lost trains of thought. Buy it before fancy upgrades.

Pick a dedicated workspace — even one room corner — and use it only for work. Your brain starts linking that spot with deep work, so sitting down there flips you into work mode faster. Physical cues train habits more reliably than any app.