I like your 'halo effect' term. I've felt the same thing when trying to do an action.
Some of the things I've tried is: put the tangential actions into the inbox while I am working on an action.
Another workflow I've tried to help me stay on task is: develop a widget that doesn't let me work for too long without bringing the task that I've said I'm working on, back in front of me.
Some of the things I've tried is: put the tangential actions into the inbox while I am working on an action.
Another workflow I've tried to help me stay on task is: develop a widget that doesn't let me work for too long without bringing the task that I've said I'm working on, back in front of me.