There are more intricate ways to use the internet browser add-ons like Leechblock (FF) and Stayfocusd (Chrome), in order to at least separate which browsers we use for work and which we use for play. For instance, using the settings of one browser to block the usage of sites after a short time period (i.e. Monday through Saturday) is an effective way to act as the first reminder to focus. Cutting off all internet access proves difficult for many reasons that I won't go into, and so having the second internet browser set up that also enables access is not entirely contradictory to the goal. Try using either Controlled multi-tab browsing (Chrome) or Window and Tab Limiter (FF) to add a level of focused internet browsing that could also be enabled monday through friday but also for good measure disabled via the aforementioned 'focus' add-ons on weekends because it is possible that there is life outside your apartment on those days. The two browser approach ensures that if for any reason you feel that insatiable need to run from those to-do list items, you won't get bogged down with tab after tab of hard-hitting news and popular web blog updates. Both come with adjustable limits, but if we're being honest anything more than two open tabs is pushing the limits of focus.
Last post I talked about how to deal with distractions when viewing web pages using various keyboard shortcuts and browser extensions, and since that post I realized that I didn't go into any specifics about separating spaces for work and play which is also an important part of dealing with the cycle of distraction and procrastination. If like me you live in a one bedroom apartment and really don't have the space to separate your work from play areas, then understand that the transition may need to be a bit more strict: the proliferation of gadgets, game consoles, laptops, workstations, and of course television sets provide more than enough opportunities to give in to the cycles of D'n'P (distraction and procrastination).
Even as I'm writing this, my scatterbrained sensibilities are driving me towards fiddling with a smartphone to find the exact settings to switch the constant e-mail updates to only certain times of the day. (I suppose it isn't the end of the world if the e-mail 'ding' is still turned on because I do keep the flow of e-mails down simply by using a dummy e-mail address around for when websites require me to sign up.) All this begs the questions of what we find to be distraction and what is qualified research depending on whether your career/personal goals are creatively or statically focused. I'm not sure I have even figured this part of the game out yet, but it doesn't hurt to narrow some of the options by using tools and even asking for help. I even went as far as changing the computer background to a solid color and hiding the desktop icons in much the same manner as an old fuddy-duddy like my father does because it does create a better blank slate effect, though I will probably change it back in a few months for summer once I've sufficiently sustained a good work flow.
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I also have many a distraction to deal with from the past few weeks and finding one to grab hold of has become increasingly difficult in light of the fact that I still bother to read the news. The news of the massive cover up and continuing tragedy in the middle east breaks my heart, but as much as I would like to join the internet shouting match I will simply show my support by "digging" the stories via digg.com (to emphasize that it is important enough to be more newsworthy than some of the stories being pushed instead - top Digg stories below!). I hope that the rally to restore sanity and/or fear, even though it is sponsored by a pair of satirical news programs, will see that the topic is touched on somewhat if not extensively (I think Jon Stewart would make an ideal spokesperson to support it.) And no, it doesn't compromise the troops. Check the video interview from DemocracyNOW! posted on Wikileaks front page.
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