Use "SelfControl" to Stop Internet Distractions, Save Energy, Work More Efficiently

I find myself often concentrating on how to minimize internet distractions while working on the computer and thereby increase productivity and efficiency and decrease wasted energy. It should be as simple as just focusing, but with social networking sites and instant messaging services so at our disposal, avoiding distraction while working is more complicated for many than it should be. But, as I have emphasized in previous posts, it's crucial that we all adopt a new set of time management skills while working on our computers. Tip: If you're unsure of how much time you're wasting online doing non-work things (I'm sorry, but unless you're a celebrity gossip reporter, Perez Hilton is not work), try timing yourself to find out just exactly how much time a day you spend not working.

If you find you are spending more time than you wish you were on certain sites, Steve Lambert, the creator of Add-Art, has just released a solution for you. SelfControl is an open source program designed for Mac OS X. In short, it help adults ground themselves. SelfControl helps you to block certain sites on your computer. But unlike other blocking systems, SelfControl allows you to time yourself away from these sites. If you need to be away from Facebook for 90 minutes straight to ensure the completion of a project, SelfControl will do that for you and allow access to Facebook again once the 90 minutes are up.

It seems silly that we can't control ourselves online to the point that there is a demand for a tool like this, but in all fairness, it makes absolute sense to me. With nearly every aspect of our lives going digital these days, it's no wonder we can become so distracted by the internet—it embodies much of our lives. But making sure to work as efficiently as possible is a key for enhancing work efficiency and decreasing the amount of time you spend on the computer each day, thereby decreasing the energy you use. If using a tool like SelfControl will make you a greener internet user, then by all means, start using it.