Working on a computer is distracting to say the least. I even find it hard to write because facebook, youtube, feedly are all just a click away. I have found myself surfing those sites for far too long during work. This convicted me that I was not “working as unto the Lord” (Col 3:23) and I was not stewarding or making good use of my time. So, I found a tool that keeps me in line.
In their own words…
StayFocusd increases your productivity by limiting the amount of time that you can spend on time-wasting websites…StayFocusd is a productivity extension for Google Chrome that helps you stay focused on work by restricting the amount of time you can spend on time-wasting websites. Once your allotted time has been used up, the sites you have blocked will be inaccessible for the rest of the day.
It is fully customizable, you determine when it keeps you in line and what sites are issues for you. You also determine what sites you want it to count and how long you have on those sites. Beware if you run out of time and try to give yourself more. Changes won’t be in effect until the next day. They are very good at not letting you give into yourself.
I have used StayFocusd for a few years now and I have not regretted it. I keep myself from wasting too much time at work or even at home, so I will actually work on accomplishing my goals. It has helped me to push toward completing my blogs, my book and tons of other things.
One of the best commitment devices StayFocused has for you,if you are particularly good at giving up on your commitments, is the requirement to type an entire paragraph without error before you can make changes. If you are the person who will give up as soon as it gets tough they will hold your feet to the fire if you ask. I haven’t found that I need that level of commitment but I will not judge you.
Check it out, start with the basic settings and see how you need to change it from there. Just be warned if you try to give yourself more freedom, they will shock a kitten! (Not really, I hope they are kidding)
Feature image by Dimitris Kalogeropoylos