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In a previous post, I talked about the application Concentrate and how it’s great at helping you interrupt the counter-productive habits you’ve formed. In today’s screencast, I show you how this works and how easy it is to get yourself up and running with the program.
I didn’t go through and rehearse anything on this one, and after I watched it, I recognized that there are easier ways to do get it set up. You’ll get a good primer on what Concentrate’s about along with my in-process commentary of what’s going on, but don’t take it as the most efficient way to set things up.
If you’re on a Mac and need some help focusing, you should definitely give Concentrate a try. It’s very reasonably priced at $29, and when you look at what one hour of your focused creative time is worth, it’s a no-brainer.
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Twitter: lovejodirenee
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This looks like an application I really should try. I have this habit you’re talking about. Every time I write a blog post, at the same time, I’m checking my email, going through my twitter timeline and so on.
To me, concentrate seems like an application that will be very handy for a few weeks, and then, hopefully, you’ll learn what you really should be doing and won’t need it anymore?
How long have you been using it?
.-= Jens P. Berget´s last blog ..Paid Traffic From Yahoo Answers =-.
Twitter: CharlieGilkey
January 22, 2010 at 2:48 pm
You’d be surprised at how quickly we can form neurophysical connections that lead to counterproductive habits. A particularly busy week on Twitter or email can reinforce the very habit you broke last week.
So, to answer your question: I’ve used it since it’s been in beta, which has to be going on 4 months or so now. But I use it off and on to interrupt habits or to help out on days where it’s especially important for me to focus.
I have downloaded it, and currently testing it. What I’m most happy with at the moment, is that I have shut down all applications other than WriteRoom. So, when I write, I can’t do anything else (because that’s what I really should be focusing on).
I am missing one thing though. I’ve been using the pomodoro technique, where I never do any tasks for more than 25 minutes, and then take a short break. Concentrate should really have this implemented, that at a certain time (the user sets the time) you’ll get notification that the time is up. That would be awesome.
.-= Jens P. Berget´s last blog ..Paid Traffic From Yahoo Answers =-.
seems like a very helpful appl
So what about PC users? any help for us?
.-= Jeanette LeBlanc´s last blog ..for all my fellow makers of pretty things =-.
Twitter: CharlieGilkey
January 22, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Sorry, Jeanette. I use Macs and only recommend/cover what I use. Maybe somebody else can help out here.