We have a lot going on in our family right now, so it's been a struggle to stay focused and diligent at work. I have several big projects going on that need my full engagement. Today I began experimenting with what Merlin Mann called the (10 + 2)*10 Procrastination hack. I downloaded a nifty timer program called Multi-timer, which allows you to program up to ten different timer schemes, name them, and associate a completion message. (Note: I found the timer, and others that are available on the 43Folders wiki page on timers.)
I created one 10-minute countdown timing scheme (called "10 min dash complete") and one 2-minute scheme ("2 min rest complete"). To each scheme, I added a message, which flashes on the screen when the timer comes up. I opted for it to make a sound, as well, since some of my dashes might have me in my office but not looking at the computer. The sound option can be toggled for each of the ten timer schemes you create.
Here's how it works for me: When I'm ready to start working, I hit the 10-minute dash timer and then minimize it. I work on one of my identified projects and callings until the timer appears with a message "10 min dash complete" "Praise the Lord and Rest!" I thank and praise Him, then hit the "2 minute rest" button. During that two minutes, I go and get a drink, check personal email, check my RSS feeds, or just close my eyes. When two minutes is up, the timer appears again: "2 minute rest complete" "Pray and act in faith." I haven't yet made it through an entire hour or working like this (the *5 refers to repeating the 10 + 2 minutes cycle 5 times--making a full hour), but when I have used it, it has been effective in helping me engage with actions that I've been putting off.
Now, a note to cynics about the little messages. I know it sounds hokey to have little messages reminding me to praise God or act in faith. It makes it seem like leaning on the empowering grace of Holy Spirit or giving thanks to the Lord of the universe is a mechanical activity. But, although having the reminder does not make it so in my heart, I have found that the reminder makes it more likely that I will engage with my heart, thank Him for sustaining me, and trust God for his grace to do whatever my next action is. (Incidentally, writing the little message can be a spiritual exercise in itself because the text box only gives you 25 characters in which to communicate with yourself. So you have the opportunity to examine your heart to figure out what it most needs to hear when starting a work dash or resting from one.)
When I'm at home, I'm often not near a computer, so I plan to try this with an ordinary kitchen timer, as well. It won't be as much fun for me as the software program is, but obviously the (10+2)*5 tool can be used with high or low tech configurations.
Here's to supremacy of God in countdown timers and all things!
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