43 Folders

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43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Eliminating _all_ distractions

OK, this is a bit embarrassing, but I really need to get some work done, and somehow it just doesn't work: suddenly, my mac seems to have become a huge playground. You wouldn't believe how easily I'm distracted. I feel like I can't use Word for longer than 10 minutes, I just HAVE to check emails, surf the net, read 43folders, and what have you. Really, it's awful. So, is there a program that somehow disables all programs except for a few chosen ones? Because I can't put up with it anymore, seriously. Unfortunately, switching to paper is not an option. I need to work on my computer, but I need to eliminate virtually ALL distractions. I tried Backdrop, but my alter ego found a workaround :)

In fact, I couldn't even write this post without switching to a few other open tabs in firefox. I feel like the second I have to do work I cling to everything that lets me procrastinate.

Any ideas?

augmentedfourth's picture

Shhhh...

Stop!

Read these statements slowly...

Breathe.

Just in... and out.

Calm down a bit.

In... and out.

And then go back to zipping through 49 things at once, because I can't help you. It sure felt good to slow down for just a few seconds, though, right?

 
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