Killing Procrastination

[Sheeo]

Hey folks, I thought about creating a piece of software which would kill programs not related to the work you're currently doing, and I remembered an app I stumbled upon some time ago. I've written it in slightly more detail on my blog: Using “QuickKill” To Kill Procrastination? at Sheeo

What do you guys think? Would it help, and should I go on with it?

Regards

[RT Wolf]

^ Don't tell my boss about it.

I'd suggest just diving into it and seeing how it affects you.

My working hypothesis would be that it would start getting really irritating after a very short while. But I may try it out, too, cause I've started spending too much time doing not-work, as well.

[tomjen]

I remember a Linux script was made that would remove internet access (or restrict it) on pair with the one you suggest (it could do a lot of other things too - most importently it removed the admin access).

Ultimetly they all fail because they are to easy to cheat (you have physical access to the machine, you can hack it) and while the internet restriction did not need happend on you computer (just one in the path of yours) you will properly have access to that one too (unless you are at your job).

It seams, unfortunetly that the only thing that works is willpower.

[Sheeo]

Hehe, I know that willpower is the only true way to avoid procrastination. But perhaps a reminder could help? I know that it's easily hackable, but I think that if the app shut down any programs I shouldn't use just when they were launched, it'd remind me that I needed to work.

What'd be useful too though would be restricting what webpages could be browsed also--could be done by restricting the net connection.

[scottyp]

One thing I noticed is when you force yourself to work you almost get 'addicted' to being productive. Not that I haven't done my fair share of procrastinating, It's a big problem for me. However, once you force yourself to get work done, your mind begins to demand that stimulation and you will get bored very quickly if you don't find some way to continue being productive. All you have to do is to force yourself to work and you will end up gaining momentum.

[JKuehl]

it took me al LONG time to figure the following out:

Procrastination is a habit just like any other habit - so it can be changed but it needs CONSTANT willpower and effort.

( Maybe start a 30-day-trial for stopping procrastination on a SINGLE project )

[Sheeo]

I don't think it needs constant power--I recall reading something of Steve's, and he explained that to change a habit, you need to focus your initial willpower on changing the habit, but then later on a less amount of energy to maintain it.