This $2 Gadget Doubled My Productivity

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares how they improved focus and productivity using a simple technique inspired by meditation practices. By applying the principle of noticing and redirecting distractions, originally learned from Sam Harris's meditation app, they used a tally counter to track their distractions while working. Setting a goal to redirect attention 100 times a day helped maximize productivity, especially during tedious tasks like video editing. The method has significantly enhanced their focus, and they express interest in a more compact wearable device for continuous use. This approach turns distractions into opportunities for greater concentration and flow.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has been using a hand counter for over three years to enhance focus and productivity at work.
• 😀 The concept of using a counter was inspired by Sam Harris's meditation app, where distractions during meditation are viewed as opportunities to redirect focus.
• 😀 The speaker started with a journal to track distractions but found it too interruptive, so switched to a hand counter for more seamless use.
• 😀 The hand counter is worn on the finger and tapped with the thumb whenever the mind wanders during work, especially while using a computer.
• 😀 The goal is not to avoid distractions but to become aware of them and redirect attention back to the task, similar to meditation techniques.
• 😀 A daily goal was set to count 100 distractions, which led to increased productivity on days when the speaker focused on redirecting attention.
• 😀 The hand counter helps keep the speaker in a focused state, especially during tasks like video editing, where it’s easy to become distracted by tedious content.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that the key to productivity is not eliminating distractions, but acknowledging and redirecting attention effectively.
• 😀 Although the hand counter is not perfect, it is a helpful tool for improving focus during work that requires constant mental attention.
• 😀 The speaker envisions a smaller version of the counter, perhaps as a ring, that could be worn all day, making it even more convenient for long-term focus management.

Q & A

What inspired the user to start tracking distractions while working?

The user was inspired by a concept from Sam Harris's meditation app, Waking Up, where he explained that noticing distractions and redirecting attention is a key part of meditation. The user realized this principle could be applied to work as well, to improve focus and productivity.

How did the user initially track distractions before using the hand counter?

The user initially tracked distractions by keeping a journal and marking a tally every time their mind wandered. However, this method proved to be interruptive, so they sought a more efficient solution.

What alternative method did the user try after journaling?

After journaling, the user tried using a counter clicker, the kind that coaches use. This allowed for a less disruptive way of tracking distractions, though it still required reaching for the clicker, which was inconvenient.

How does the user use the hand counter during work?

The user wears a small hand counter on their finger and taps it with their thumb whenever their mind wanders. This allows them to track distractions without taking their hands off the keyboard, maintaining focus on the task at hand.

What is the significance of counting distractions with this system?

The user doesn't just count distractions but the number of times they redirect their attention back to work. The higher the count, the more focused and productive the user becomes, as they are actively engaging in the process of refocusing.

What goal does the user set for themselves using the hand counter?

The user sets a daily goal to reach 100 distractions, which means they are actively noticing and refocusing on their work 100 times. They find that the more they track these distractions, the more productive and focused their day becomes.

How does this technique improve the user’s productivity, especially in video editing?

In video editing, which involves long hours of tedious content, the hand counter helps the user stay focused despite the monotony. By continually redirecting their attention, they can maintain focus for extended periods and get more work done.

Does the user believe the hand counter system is perfect?

No, the user acknowledges that the hand counter system isn't perfect but finds it significantly helpful in staying focused. They wish there were a more permanent solution, like a smaller ring-like device, but the hand counter works well during keyboard-based tasks.

What other device does the user mention as a possible alternative to the hand counter?

The user mentions a ring-like device targeted at Muslims for counting prayers as a potential alternative. However, they note that such devices tend to be too bulky and may not be practical for all-day use.

What is the broader takeaway from the user's method for improving focus and productivity?

The broader takeaway is that tracking and acknowledging distractions, rather than feeling guilty about them, can actually enhance focus and productivity. By turning the process of refocusing into a deliberate practice, one can achieve a meditative state conducive to deep work and flow.