You can’t seem to get work done, not even when you “force” yourself. Could it be your low on inspiration, chair is uncomfortable, ran out of paper to draw your ideas? While it could be any of those chances are, it’s none of those. The problem is you can’t focus. I’ve been taking concentration, focus and productivity to heart a lot lately, I’m planing on opening some other projects soon but the time seems to never give. Again, I have plenty of time, I’m just not getting anything done while I’m not focusing.
Being the curious person I am, I decided to give it a full go at this “focus” thing. I spent 4 hours logged out of any IM’s, away from my emails, and wearing some soundproof headphones. Within those 4 hours, I got so much done, I was scared to take account on how much I was really slacking off when I wasn’t focusing.
Digging deeper, I found a really great article that lists 6 mac applications that help you focus. So I tried out a couple and must admit, they were great! Between Think and Focus Booster *which I’m using right now to write this article*, I can concentrate a lot more and feel like I get things done. The dimming background of Think forces me to look at the work window, and Focus Booster adds the deadline kind of stress that’s not enough to make you jittery, but enough to remind you to spend your time wisely working, and slacking off isn’t much of an option. Especially if you have set a goal for yourself to actually work the 25 minutes, once your ego and pride are in the line you’ll notice a lot more can get done.
I’m thinking of continuing this challenge for at least a week or two, and let you know how it went then. I deeply suggest you take a look at the Pomodoro Technique if your serious about actually focusing and getting work done.