I spend most days working on the computer and I often catch myself checking my emails, reddit or hacker news instead of working. I didn't think it was a problem until I tried using a time tracking app. I realized that I was literally wasting hours every day and I wasn't getting much out of it (it's not even that fun!).
I tried disconnecting the internet. It wasn't practical and I would only do it for a few days before reverting back.
I tried blocking a list of websites. It worked for a few weeks.. until I started using another browser to watch work related youtube videos or manage my Facebook ads.. And my muscle memory would kick in.. ctrl+t reddit ctrl+enter .. and.. game over.
I uninstalled the other browser, then I started using my phone. It was nearly unconscious, my hands would just reach for my phone and open it when I was distracted.
At that point I felt like no matter how I intensely I could lock myself out, I would ultimately subvert the system and cheat down the line in a moment of weakness.
I had to come up with a new strategy that didn't involved blocking things because I knew it wouldn't work. That's when I found an interesting idea.
Fun facts:
I use an extension called LeechBlock NG to put a delay on my list of distracting websites. I can go on reddit or youtube whenever I want, but when I do, I have to sit through a 30 seconds delay and I can't change tab or click on an other application or the timer stops and the page doesn't load. It doesn't sound like much but it's nearly unbearable for the instant gratification brain.
This lead me to an other big discovery : you don't need willpower to change your behavior, sometimes you just need awareness.
When I wait my 30 seconds now, I spend that time reflecting. Why am I visiting this website? What was the trigger?
Sometimes it's a phone notification, sometimes it's because I don't want to do the next task. Sometimes I just need a break (and I get up and walk around instead). Most of the time it's because of some kinds of negative emotion that I'm not even consciously aware of that I'm trying to numb out with a distraction. Now I can address the negative emotion, remember my WHY, close the tab and focus!
Hope this helps someone else too!
I tried disconnecting the internet. It wasn't practical and I would only do it for a few days before reverting back.
I tried blocking a list of websites. It worked for a few weeks.. until I started using another browser to watch work related youtube videos or manage my Facebook ads.. And my muscle memory would kick in.. ctrl+t reddit ctrl+enter .. and.. game over.
I uninstalled the other browser, then I started using my phone. It was nearly unconscious, my hands would just reach for my phone and open it when I was distracted.
At that point I felt like no matter how I intensely I could lock myself out, I would ultimately subvert the system and cheat down the line in a moment of weakness.
I had to come up with a new strategy that didn't involved blocking things because I knew it wouldn't work. That's when I found an interesting idea.
Fun facts:
- Amazon found that every 100ms of latency cost them 1% in sales. (that's 1/10th of a second)
- Google found an extra .5 seconds in search page generation time dropped traffic by 20%.
- AliExpress reduced load time for their pages by 36% and recorded a 10.5% increase in orders.
I use an extension called LeechBlock NG to put a delay on my list of distracting websites. I can go on reddit or youtube whenever I want, but when I do, I have to sit through a 30 seconds delay and I can't change tab or click on an other application or the timer stops and the page doesn't load. It doesn't sound like much but it's nearly unbearable for the instant gratification brain.
This lead me to an other big discovery : you don't need willpower to change your behavior, sometimes you just need awareness.
When I wait my 30 seconds now, I spend that time reflecting. Why am I visiting this website? What was the trigger?
Sometimes it's a phone notification, sometimes it's because I don't want to do the next task. Sometimes I just need a break (and I get up and walk around instead). Most of the time it's because of some kinds of negative emotion that I'm not even consciously aware of that I'm trying to numb out with a distraction. Now I can address the negative emotion, remember my WHY, close the tab and focus!
Hope this helps someone else too!
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today
