Technology
October 4, 2011
By Cerentha Harris
Consider Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, one representing the intellectual side, the other our most base inclinations. It’s often the case our Dr. Jekyll is unable to get work done because Mr. Hyde wants to browse Pinterest and jettison some angry avian projectiles. Unfortunately, dealing with a case of short attention span is worse now thanks to online access, the myriad of diversionary entertainment options, and even that smartphone you keep checking every few seconds. Distractions like these divide attention, time, and therefore affect the quality of work you do. However there’s one trick that can keep you on the straight and narrow to build better work habits.
It’s all too easy to get distracted from work on the computer. But there’s a simple technique to help regain focus: create a new User account, one specifically designed for getting work done. That means creating a desktop stripped of extraneous bookmarks, applications, music and movie files, plug-ins, extensions…unless they’re designed for task management or your work related projects. Think of this desktop as your work persona. Creating a dedicated account for work related tasks is like having a work outfit compared to the comfy-cozy sweatpants of leisurely online time.
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Balance
March 16, 2010
By Cerentha Harris
“With work and home life continuing on a collision course, we’ll admit we’ve been having some trouble focusing on all of our blogging and freelance work all on the same computer. What does Flynn from Smart Passive Income suggest? Have two separate computers dividing work and play. According to Flynn:
“The computer in my office (an iMac) is where I did everything, including all of those personal things. It was hard for me personally to keep those things totally separate. By buying a laptop that is specifically just for personal, non-work related items, I can more easily focus on work when I’m supposed to work, and not be tempted to work when I’m doing personal stuff. Furthermore, because the laptop is portable, I can literally separate work from non-work stuff by keeping the office and the computer in it off limits during non-work hours.”
It may not be the greenest solution out there, but we’re not going to argue with results. Even if it’s just for one man. For myself, I’ve learned to carefully adapt my work flow by having different profiles set up on a single computer. Then again, I also work off a Macbook Pro and do my coding and stuff on my PC rig. So, I guess overlap is ultimate inevitable unless I enable separate profiles for work and play.
What do you guys think? Is splitting your work flow into two separate computing devices an ideal solution? Let us know in the comments!
[Image: Deskography]
[Via Lifehacker]
By Anthony”
This story appears in partnership with Unplggd, a site for people who embrace technology and design in their home.
Balance
February 12, 2010
By Heather John
I’m writing from our kitchen table for a few more weeks, as our office reno has been put on hold by a houseguest. This morning it’s noteworthy to add that at 8:30 a.m. I’m dressed and ready to seize the day. After three months of working from home, I think I’ve maxed out on hearing my fellow telecommuters brag about being able to work in a bathrobe. Call me old fashioned, but there’s something to the idea of dressing the part. I’ve discovered that I’m far more productive when I shower and dress first thing in the morning versus lingering too long in a favorite Liberty of London bathrobe…kind of the same concept of school uniforms promoting discipline, unless of course you’re Britney Spears.
[Photo via philippemalouin.com]