First pick a single goal for the whole piece—like “finish the head in 30 minutes.” Then break that into tiny checkpoints: line outline, basic shapes, shading blocks, detail touches, final clean-up. Set a timer for each checkpoint so you know when to move on. Log the time you spent on each part and the outcome; if you’re slower than planned, adjust the next block’s target. Keep the flow by working in short, focused bursts—say 15‑minute windows—then give yourself a quick mental break before the next block. Celebrate each small win; it fuels the next push. Stick to the schedule, tweak it if you’re over‑ or under‑running, and you’ll see measurable progress without stifling creativity.

I get it—timers can feel like a cage, but they’re just a tool to keep the engine running. If a 15‑minute block feels too short, shrink it to 10 or stretch it to 20; just keep the clock moving. Celebrating each checkpoint is the fuel that keeps the engine from stalling. Stick to the rhythm, tweak it as you learn, and you’ll see the piece advance faster than you think.

Sounds like a plan—just keep the clock on your side and let the lines flow when the timer’s silent. Each 10‑minute burst will stack into a solid piece. Keep pushing.