My concentration is still virtually nonexistent. I’m struggling to get things done. But I’ve found a couple of things that I’m hoping will help, without requiring me to go on prescription medication.
A kind reader dropped me a line and mentioned that she had had similar problems, and that taking St. John’s Wort daily helped her. I’ve heard good things about it before, but my brain has been so muddled lately that I didn’t stand a chance of thinking about it myself. So as soon as I get the money, I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for mentioning it Julie!
I’ve also found a web application that I’m giving a whirl in hopes that it will help me use my time more wisely. It’s called 88 Miles, and it’s kind of like an online time clock for freelancers and small business people. I don’t get paid by the hour, but I thought it would be helpful to know just how many hours out of the 24 a day that it seems like I’m in front of this computer are actually spent working. There’s a free trial, so I figured I had nothing to lose.
I started with it yesterday, punching in when I started working, and out when I did something else online, talked to the family, or took a break. It was quite an eye opener. I found that when I did concentrate on what I was doing, it took a reasonable amount of time to get things done. It was just staying on task that was the problem.
Right now I’m working on short articles, which are coming easier than longer projects. I’m anxious to figure my time on a nice long report so that I can compare. I think this is really going to help.
If you are a freelancer who works by the hour, or you are having trouble getting things done on time like me, I highly recommend this program. It’s very easy to use, and the free trial works just fine for one person. You can stay with the free version as long as you like, but you can only record up to 40 hours of time per month with it. The paid version for one user is only $5 per month, so if you like it, springing for it certainly won’t break the bank. And there are also plans for businesses, with timekeeping for up to 20 staff members.
I’m staying with the free version for now due to budget concerns, but I plan to upgrade soon. When I do, I want to keep track of the time I spend doing other stuff online as well.
So there’s what I’ve come up with to help myself so far. I’m still quite open to suggestions, so feel free to drop me a comment or contact me through my contact page. This inability to concentrate stuff is frustrating as hell, but I’m beginning to think maybe I can beat it.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Hi Kristy,
Thank you for the kind words - I’m really glad you are finding it useful. I was having the exact same problem which is why I built 88 Miles, and I love the fact that other people are finding it useful.
I hope you find a solution to your lack of concentration. I find that identifing your most productive time, and shutting everything off (Email, blogs, twitter etc) during that time and cranking some music during that period really helps. I know my time is first thing in the morning, but I”m sure others have different times.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Thanks for stopping by Myles! I’m happy to recommend 88 Miles to anyone who needs to keep track of their time.
It seems like my most productive time is late at night (when I’m awake that long). I think that has a lot to do with the fact that that is the time when I face the fewest distractions, though. Will definitely give shutting all the Web stuff off and listening to my favorite tunes a try.