I’ve found a good way to reduce procrastination is to set a timer and commit to working on a task for that period of time. It makes it easier for you to work on something you’ve been fearing because regardless of the outcome of the task, you get to stop when the timer dings. It’s really a way to trick yourself into doing something you’re avoiding, but it works, so I do it.
I wanted an application that made it as easy as possible to start a timer. I came up with the following requirements, in order of priority.
* Free
* Fast to start and stop the timer (fast application startup is good too)
* Lightweight
* Popup dialog displayed when timer is up
* Remembers duration(s) set previously
* Can disable audio alerts
* Simple interface
* Can pause timer
* Minimizes to tray (Less of an issue when I discovered that TaskSwitch XP can minimize any application to tray by right-clicking the minimize button.
* Visually appealing
Instant Boss - Too bossy :) I didn’t like all the preconfigured messages either.
...
Workrave - A bit too complex for my needs, but has short stretch intervals and other reminders to help reduce strain.
| First, thanks for the comparision! I’m afraid I find that a ridiculous comment on Instant Boss - what do you mean by it being “too bossy” ?? and just commenting on the messages then seems pretty superficial to me… I used to use Workrave before Instant Boss. I gave up on it because it was too in your face and didnt credit me with any intelligence/initiave - i.e. far too bossy for me at any rate (unless they’ve toned it down in the last year or so) In fairness Workrave is aimed at people who have wrist/arm problems from use of the mouse & keyboard and who are trying to regulate their use of same |
I wish there was an application that would remind me to do something at certain times annoyingly like WorkRave.
For example, something that would annoy me to go to sleep early would be great :).
Anyone knows anything like that?-vitalyb (November 16, 2008, 03:16 PM)
I wish there was an application that would remind me to do something at certain times annoyingly like WorkRave.
For example, something that would annoy me to go to sleep early would be great :).
Anyone knows anything like that?-vitalyb (November 16, 2008, 03:16 PM)
I wish there was an application that would remind me to do something at certain times annoyingly like WorkRave.
For example, something that would annoy me to go to sleep early would be great :).
Anyone knows anything like that?-vitalyb (November 16, 2008, 03:16 PM)
[1:47 AM] VitalyB: I am very strict today
[1:47 AM] VitalyB: I even quit civilization
[1:47 AM] VitalyB: like 10 minutes ago
[1:47 AM] VitalyB: Even though I was only 90 turns from the end of the game
[1:47 AM] Agni: wow! only 90???
[1:47 AM] Agni: you could finish it in like... what?
[1:47 AM] VitalyB: yep. 90 turns is about... 20 minutes of gameplay
[1:48 AM] Agni: then it's 1h and 20?
[1:48 AM] Agni: well
[1:48 AM] Agni: yes
[1:48 AM] Agni: you can do it!
[1:48 AM] Agni: cmon
[1:49 AM] VitalyB: tsk @ girlfriend-causing-bad-influence
[1:49 AM] Agni: you have 8h to sleep???? it's too much!!!!!!!!!!
[1:49 AM] VitalyB: I am going to find that forum topic now
[1:49 AM] VitalyB: and send them this log now