- TomatoTimer: based on the Pomodoro technique of working (a simple time-blocking concept in which one works for 25-minute bursts, followed by 5-minute breaks), TomatoTimer was a no-frills website that simply worked as a timer. While I liked the idea of working in 25-minute periods of time, initially, I discovered that I preferred much longer working periods and breaks—I usually don’t get very productive with something until I’m around 20 or so minutes in. In this case, I loved the idea of the Pomodoro technique, but I felt like it didn’t quite click with my working style.
- Stayfocused: This is a Chrome extension that you can build into your browser, and you can set a certain amount of time to spend on time/attention-wasting sites (such as Facebook, Youtube, etc.). After your time’s up, you are blocked from those sites. That extension worked wonderfully for me at the beginning, as it allowed me to choose which sites to block, but still, I felt like I could always “cheat” and increase the “allowed time” when the timer was going.
- ColdTurkey: This is sort of the reverse of Stayfocused. Instead of allowing you a set time on time-wasting sites, this Windows software locks you out of certain websites for a set amount of time. This worked better for me than Stayfocused in terms of getting on track, and when I tried it out I ended up getting a ton of work done. It was definitely super-compatible with my learning and working style, and allowed the flexibility of being able to access the internet after a period of worktime.
- Freedom: the strictest of distraction-free tools, Freedom basically shuts the internet down for a predetermined period during the day (the irony in the name is, of course, appreciated). Though I was able to get a *ton* of work done when I used this, I can definitely see where it gets to be too restrictive—after all, what if I’m working on a blog and need to do research? What if I’m working on a weekly brief and can’t access Google Drive? If you want absolute, internet-free focus, this is the software for you, and in my past uses of it (before this year) it’s gotten me through its fair share of research papers and college essays. Just be forewarned—once you set the time, you can’t access the internet – unless you completely restart your computer.
Though all apps helped me to a varying degree, Cold Turkey worked the best for me, as it allowed me strict restrictions but also gave me the flexibility to choose which websites to block. Not all productivity tools are for everyone—it was surprising how the Pomodoro technique, so widely lauded by online productivity gurus, didn’t quite work for me. However, throughout this process, I was able to get my work done faster so I could sleep better, and spend more time interacting with friends, so I’m definitely not opposed to trying out more distraction-free apps in the future—and keeping the ones I liked this time around.
Do you guys believe in these productivity tools? If so, which ones do you like?
Hi Christina! I have actually used both TomatoTimer and Stayfocused before-- with regards to my reaction or rating of these extension pieces, I'm not so thrilled. Maybe it's just my personality but adding more technology to further reduce my technological distraction usage is not effective for me. I think it's kind of counterintuitive, even though I can understand the end goal. For me, while I am aware that it is not effective for everybody, I just need to put all of my devices on do not disturb and keep only a few tabs open. Even better, if I can do without technology during my homework, I will do so. Trying to minimize my technological use is helpful in honing in my focus but I can definitely see these devices being effective for others! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteThis post is actually really helpful. I can definitely relate to your struggles with the Tomato Timer. This past summer, while at debate camp, our lab leaders attempted to boost our research productivity by scheduling 1-2 hour periods in the library instead of 4 hour sessions. Although some people found it to be more helpful, I did not. I prefer to sit down, work for an hour or two, take a walk or get some coffee, and then return to working. I actually find frequent breaks incredibly distracting and disorienting. I don't have any experience with the other 3 types of applications you listed, but considering I often get distracted by the newest Diplomat or Foreign Affairs article while attempting to do schoolwork, I think I'll definitely try one in the future!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions! I've tried out the Pomodoro technique and StayFocused before. Although I think it's healthy to take frequent breaks, I often feel that I haven't accomplished enough in my 25 minute bursts to deserve a 5 minute break, and I end up feeling guilty for taking so many breaks without getting much done. StayFocused might work for others, but I also felt the urge to "cheat". I don't like setting upper bounds on how much time I can waste. For example, if I allow myself to spend up to 10 minutes on Facebook and I've only spent 3 minutes, then I'll be tempted to spend 7 more minutes browsing my news feed; without that 10 minute limit, I might have just spent 3 minutes and moved on. I think I'll try out ColdTurkey, since there are definitely a few websites that suck up a lot of my time. In general, I'm not so good at relying on apps to discipline me, because I can cheat very easily. Ultimately, I have to find motivation within myself not to get distracted, and to use apps like Evernote to keep my tasks organized.
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