Shut down your computer now Nov02 '06

While working on the computer, I often have a hard time closing things.

My browser often has 15-20 tabs open, because I feel I will eventually give each site full attention... but 5 PM... or bedtime, always seems to come first.

My text editor often has a dozen or more web site files (PHP, CSS, JavaScript, etc.) open in it, because once I open one, I feel it's easier to leave it open, in case I need to make immediate future changes. Problem is I usually forget why some files were opened initially.

I often have eight or more software applications open on my system, thinking it's easier to switch to them, than to re-open them each time I need it. This is obviously "backwards thinking," because I'm slowing my entire system down, while I do this.

I've also started leaving my work computer logged in all day and night. So that even on the road, I can remote into my desktop, and have everything open as I left it. My thinking is that it will take less time to start working, when I don't have to re-open everything, and try to remember what I was working on previously.

All these things I believe are making me more productive, but they're really not.

A possible solution

Here's a novel idea. Every once in a while, just close everything - shut down the entire computer. Even if you're in the middle of something - just save it and close it all. Then, get a notebook and a pen (ew, how archaic), and try to recall exactly what you were working on.

If you can remember how to write with a pen (I have trouble with this because all I do is type), then jot down all the important things you need to do.

When you turn your computer back on, start working on the things that you wrote down.

The idea is - if you can't remember if you were working on it, then it's not important.

This method helps remove the clutter from your computer and your mind.

So... after all computers can do to save us time, they are really just time wasters. It always go back to the pen and paper.

Categories: Productivity , Technology

Add Feedback (view all)

Leave feedback

Feedback

Input format: The editor controls below will assist with Markdown syntax.

Status

Sub-status

Your info Name: Email (will not show on page):

Follow new comments via email? (You can turn this off any time)

Do you want your comments emailed to yourself?

Home Page (optional):

matthom is published and produced by Matt Thommes - an independent publishing enthusiast, mobile blogger, content creator, informative writer, web developer from Chicago. Never one to conform, Matt intends to promote the effect the web has on our lives, in an effort to intensify, instruct, and clarify all that is happening around us.