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.

Creating a new user account space on your computer to logged into offers several advantages, but also comes with a few inconveniences and backdoors too. First off, the User account is only effective if you log into it; the bare bones account could just be avoided entirely and lost to the same procrastination that hampered you prior. Secondly, a bare bones setup still can lead you astray if you have a web browser, the ultimate time killer, so consider leaving online access unless required.

The key to this technique is willpower and it is definitely easier said than done. Cutting out specific Applications/Programs is a good start. Removing distracting visual and and extraneous distracting layers off the desktop can also aid in the focus department. Keep applications and tools with the sole purpose of focus. For example, Omm Writer is an excellent example of a bare bones application which aids in focusing on a single task:

Although individual preferences vary, we find creating a minimalist workspace can be effective in completing tasks more efficiently for almost every type. Removing task bar programs and replacing the desktop with simplistic wallpaper leaves the mind calm rather than vulnerable to jumping from thought to thought. Full screen programs are especially useful, but may be difficult to adjust for those of us prone to jump from one window to another.

Personal tasks should be left for personal time. Leave a note or memo if anything comes up for later, but relegate games, videos and entertainment for breaks or downtime (note: taking breaks throughout the day can actually help you stay focused, so switch into your personal account for 30-60 minute lunch breaks or breathers).

A summary of how to create a focused work environment:
1. Create a new system log-in account for work hours. Here’s how to do this for OS X and Windows 7.
2. Strip this account of any extraneous applications, files, or browser bookmarks that aren’t related to work.
3. If possible and if your work doesn’t require online access, leave out any browser. Stick with email.
4. Replace your desktop with a minimal wallpaper like these. Remove as many icons as possible from your desktop and launcher/start menu.
5. Use full screen mode in applications to prevent jumping unnecessary jumping around.
6. Turn off your smartphone and keep it in a drawer on silent mode.
7. Permit yourself allotted and regular breaks; this is as important in keeping focus as any of the tips above

By Jason Rodway

Gregory Han: “I’m currently taking inventory of all the log-in passwords and accounts in my password management application (LastPass changed my life), and it really hit home after scrolling through the seemingly endless list of services how many darn online social-style sites and apps I’m signed up to use. Facebook, Twitter, Twitpic, Spotify, LinkedIn, Last.FM, Music Beta by Google, WordPress, Flickr, foursquare, Pinterest, Tumblr, DailyMile, I Heart It, NeighborGoods, and most recently, Google+. And these are just the ones I still frequent/use, with a few like StumbleUpon, Nike+, and Polyvore fading out into the distance where Friendster and my old LiveJournal account have gone to pasture…

It all started off so fun, but somewhere down the line, maintaining a steady stream of content and sharing across all these sites can end up feeling like a job in itself. Am I neglecting my still infantile, pink-toed Google+ stream? Did I get to responding to all of the various Twitter DMs received, shout outs from friends and readers? It’s been awhile since I added photos to my Flickr feed. Hey, here’s a handful of Pinterest RePins! And I just remembered all of the membership sales sites I subscribe to…

Not this situation is anyone’s fault but my very own, as I’m admittedly what writer Robert Anton Wilson once labeled as a “Neophiliac” (is there a cream for this type of itch?) when it comes to new services promising an Aladdin-ish, whole new world. I could make the argument it’s all related to both my personal and professional life, but in the end, all these online social services create as much work as my paying job already presents. Masochism is inviting more email notifications willingly into your inbox.

So this weekend, I’m going on the online equivalent of one of those sketchy “cleanse diets”, but in this case I’m aiming to shed some online bulk and close up a few accounts.

Knowing my personality, there’s something new just around the corner, so closing one door to open another might be the only way to curtail this ever growing list of sites I’m starting to lose track of (“Wait, when did I sign-up for The Biker Shorts & Shotguns Appreciation Network?”). In many ways, opening too many online services is remotely similar to having too many credit card accounts open; you’ve got too many once you start forgetting you had an opened account in the first place. I’m definitely over my credit limit here.”

By Gregory Han.

Addendum: Ha, upon Googling “new social networks”, I came to notice the New York Times posted a podcast discussing this very same topic just a few hours ago. Guess we’ve got the makings of a support group out there!

1. Get an armchair for your office. Or have a breakout space or café close at hand, and give yourself permission to use it.

2. Pay attention to your energy levels throughout the day. When they start to dip, it’s time to take a break — or switch chairs. A change is as good as a rest, remember!

3. Notice how you feel after sitting in your armchair. If you feel bored or sluggish, you’re spending too much time there (more couch potato than armchair creative!). But if you feel fresh enthusiasm, it shows the armchair is doing a good job of recharging your creative batteries.

4. Switch tools. If you normally type on a laptop, get a pad and paper. If you normally use a pen and paper, use a different pen and paper! (I’m serious — your nervous system will register different associations with different tools. Try it.)

5. Ignore sludge. “Sludge” is the name Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson (creators of the Results Only Work Environment approach to corporate culture) give to the sarcastic comments co-workers make about behavior that doesn’t conform to their idea of productivity. E.g. “I wish I had time to loaf around in the middle of the day.”

6. Look back on your week on Friday afternoon. Where did your best ideas come from? Where did you do your most productive thinking? Where did you add most value? (Just make sure you do this review from the comfort of your armchair!)

You know the drill. You have a creative skill other people don’t–say, graphic design, video editing, or copywriting. You do great work. You’re always looking for more exposure and pieces to add to your body of work. And on top of that, let’s not lie: you’re a very cool person.

People know you and like you–and don’t mind asking if they could hit you up for the occasional gig that doesn’t actually pay, but could offer a “great portfolio piece!” or the possibility of future work. Should you help out? Find out with this clever flowchart from typographer and illustrator (and future Playlister–stay tuned!) Jessica Hishe.

Do you listen to music while you work? When I work in studio, it’s a lot of really mellow music. I’m on the phone and writing emails a lot, so it needs to be something that can kind of blend into the background. When I’m on set, it tends to be more upbeat and more poppy.

How do you listen? In studio (which I share with my boyfriend), we’re all on a network. So our computers feed into a receiver and through really good speakers. On set, I’ll rent a portable iPod dock or a lot of times I bring this little red speaker that you plug your iPod/iPhone into. It’s small but super loud and is so easy to just throw in a bag and go.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers? Well, I’m probably pretty late in the game, but I am really loving Pandora right now.

Does music influence your work? I think music most influences me when I’m working on personal stuff. Not so much on set or when I’m in studio doing all the back-end business stuff. There was a time in college when I was staying up super late, listening to Red House Painters on repeat, and making collages and little books.

Where do you find music recommendations? Most of my music comes from friends, people who know what I like and tell me to download a certain artist or album. I really do love Morning Becomes Eclectic on NPR, but don’t listen to it as much now that I live in NYC.

If your work was a song or a musician, what or who would it be? Wow, that’s a really serious question! I’ve been totally in love with the Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack lately—songs by Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The music is so hopeful, sincere, and beautiful. Some songs are really mellow and some move faster with more energy. When I first heard the album, I thought it was all different artists since the songs are so varied. I think I could get behind that album as representative of the range of my work!
ANNA’S PLAYLIST:

Live to Tell the Tale, Passion Pit

Hideaway, Karen O and the Kids

Sorrow Tears and Blood, Fela Kuti

Into the Sun, Diplo

The Only Living Boy in New York, Simon and Garfunkel

Fun Powder Plot, Wild Beasts

No One Does It Like You, Department of Eagles

I Get Low, Timber Timbre

Re: Stacks, Bon Iver

Ash Wednesday, Elvis Perkins

Nickel Bags, Digable Planets

Send It On, D’Angelo

By Your Side, Sade

Hometown Glory, Santigold

Peace Train, Cat Stevens

Two Weeks, Grizzly Bear

Knife, Grizzly Bear

Turn Me On (Kevin Lyttle cover), CocoRosie

Everyman…Everywoman, Yoko Ono

Images: Anna Wolf; Studio Photos: Monica Pendergrass

Unplugged by designer Frederic Terral

No wonder Jim Collins is so successful. Collins, author of Built to Last and How the Mighty Fall, told the HBR Editors’ Blog that he blocks four hours every day for thinking—and he unplugs from all technology to make sure he’s not interrupted. He calls these blocks of time “white space” and recommends everyone create some every day. Does anyone out there do this? If so, in what ways? We’d love to hear from you.