What is Reddit's opinion of
SelfControl?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
91 reviews of this app found across Reddit:
If you have a Mac, there's a program called self control, you blacklist certain websites (Netflix, reddit, youtube, whatever is distracting you) and then you can turn on a filter for x amount of time, so say you want to be working for 45 minutes, than you set it and it's very difficult to get onto any of those sites for 45 minutes. Not sure what the windows equivalent is, but I think self control mentions it on their website
Edit: Was on mobile in bed, Here is Self Control's website and Here is Cold Turkey (Windows)
SelfControl - Free
For when you are too addicted to reddit or other sites and want to block off that impulsive, 'i'm stressed, open up reddit.com and see whats on there' response. Helps for getting work done as well.
Stick to a schedule is a key thing.If couldn't finish everything you wanted to do in one slot too bad... Do it in a free slot.
Use a program like SelfControl if you work on your PC a lot like I do.
Reward yourself when you do stuff you don't want to do at all, if you're done some shitty Mid Terms go for a drink, that way there's a certain positive association.
A lot of people chiming in seem to be experiencing the same roadblock to their writing productivity, and that is reddit/the internet in general.
I write in a cafe with no wifi.
Or, if I'm at home, I use this Self Control App to block out distracting sites, while leaving others (like wikipedia) on a white list so that I can do research.
Basically, as soon as I get up, I am in writing mode. I don't do anything else. No checking email, nothing. I make coffee on autopilot while I get into gear, or, if I'm writing at the cafe, I rely on the nice fresh morning air to wake me up on my walk there.
First, I'll read over the last of what I wrote the day before, to get myself back into the timeflow of the sequence. Then I'll continue from there.
I write for as long as I can, taking a brief break about once an hour to stretch, refill my beverage, and make sure to look at something in the far distance. (My eyesight has been getting worse, I think partially due to maintaining focus on the computer screen focal length for too-long periods at a time).
I read over what I wrote and make a first editing pass. Then I pack up and get on with the rest of my day. This usually lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, the usual being 4. During this time I'll average 1,200 words an hour, unless I'm in full on editing mode, and then it varies depending on how much attention a section needs.
I like to call it Limit Break Writing, and if you're interested, I write more about it in that post.
Neat to see everyone's varied techniques. If, like me, you struggle with internet distraction, I urge you to cut yourself off. It did wonders for my wordcount!
Two thoughts:
Remove the easy alternatives. Think right now of what you do when you stop working. What websites do you visit? Do you play video games? Now make those things harder to get to. If you have a mac, download SelfControl and blacklist every site you might get caught on. Put your video game console power cord in the back of your closet or throw it under your bed. Whatever is distracting you, make those things more difficult to get to.
Re-motivate Yourself. I can't tell you how to do this. I don't know if watching motivation videos will help you or reading a few blog posts. What helps me is sitting down with myself and saying, "Why are you doing this in the first place? What led me to this point? Do I really believe I cannot get past this hump in the road?"
You are a freelance web developer. That is what you are. People pay you for doing this. You could be sitting in an office cubicle looking through excel sheets or cleaning tables at a fast food place, but instead you are an architect of the world. Think of the raw creative ability in your mind and hands. Is that something to put off? Put it to use! Remove your temptations & distractions and create something amazing.
If you are totally unable to do control yourself by your own initiative, I would recommend using SelfControl or another similar application (Cold Turkey for PC, for but is primarily for an extended period of time). Good luck with everything!
I was having a similar problem. When I got some free time I read a great book by Charles Duhigg on habit formation and it gave me some useful insights. One point he makes is that every habit has certain cues. When your brain perceives the cues (ie. emotional state, location, time), it launches you into a learned habit. I started to give myself certain cues to study, like going to the same library at the same time every day. I would hide my phone, and use SelfControl to block distracting sites. Now when I do these things, it feels like I work automatically.
Maybe your ideal cues would look a little different, but it's worth experimenting.
no no no no. those people are horrible human beings. i know it's no comfort now, but you wouldn't want the attentions of people like that anyway. i know it doesn't seem like it, but there are men out there that aren't like that. i'd rather be alone my whole life than spend one day with a man who harbors any kind of red pill ideologies. i know what that rabbit hole is like- i go down it sometimes myself. the best bet might actually be blocking it with something like the app self control so you aren't tempted to look at that garbage again.
Self Control - http://selfcontrolapp.com
It lets you make a blacklist of websites you don't want to let yourself on (Facebook, youtube, god forbid...Reddit?) and then you tell it how long to lock you out of the websites.
drugs. and self control. and library.
pathomechanism: 1) Drugs --> increase mesolimbic reward pathway --> more focus --> more studying endurance
2) selfcontrol -> http://selfcontrolapp.com/
3) library --> people studying around you --> more drive to study (atleast that's what a DO told me since it sounds like pseudoscience).
hope that helps
It's a great app that blocks you from visiting a list of websites you designate for a period of time you set. You cannot turn it off even if you restart the computer. It's the only way I can stay off Reddit during finals!
<strong>StayFocusd</strong> for Chrome sounds like a potential solution. The extension allows you to limit the amount of time you can spend per day on the sites you indicate as distracting.
Alternatively, if you want to block certain websites for a period of time, try <strong>SelfControl</strong> for Macs, or <strong>Self Restraint</strong> for PC.
Really want to quit Facebook but I can't really since I'm involved in several groups that use it as a main form of communication. However there is quiet-facebook which turns off your newsfeed so you can still get messages and notifications, without the temptation of scrolling down for hours.
Another app I use is SelfControl which blocks whatever distracting websites you put on the blacklist for a set amount of time. The app itself is great; for me it's actually a matter of forcing myself to actually use it haha.
This app got me through college. Put in whatever websites you like to spend time at (including reddit) and block yourself from them for a few hours.
This way when you sit down to write your paper you can't access any distractions and you pretty much only have microsoft word to work with.
Also, keep your head up. High school is not that important if you don't want to go to college (which it sounds like you would not enjoy college). I'm not saying fail out of high school. You should definitely graduate. Just don't stress out so much.
And if t does stress you out, remember the only thing to alleviate stress is to get the homework done.
From personal experience...
- Eat a high-fat breakfast (good fats, like egg yolks, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, extra virgin olive oil).
- Try yerba mate.
- Walk 30 minutes in sunlight.
- 7<=x<=15 minute nap (or "rest your eyes"). Set a timer. Even if it doesn't seem like you fell asleep, you will wake up refreshed.
- Contrast showers (hot-cold-hot-cold).
- Eliminate grains from your diet.
- 85%+ Dark chocolate.
- Get a solid 7-9 hours of sleep.
- Say "no" to more things.
- Physically move anything not relevant to what you need to be doing out of sight
- Anything "important" you are thinking about which is not relevant, write it down and put it out of sight.
- http://selfcontrolapp.com/ for social media and reddit
- Inversion - do about 5 minutes of handstands, hanging from an inversion table, monkey bars, etc.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar in water after meals to aid digestion.
If you’re doing it not on your phone and on a Mac, download „self control“.
It’s a kill switch app with both a black and white list.
You can set it for almost any time Intervall you like and it will block every website you put on the blacklist.
But be cautious about it.
Once you set the timer it can’t be reversed!
Also:If you for example set it up for 2 hours, then shut down your pc after 45 and then boot it up again like 6 hours later it will still kill the connections for the remaining 1h15min.
ah maybe it have, I had the old version to you could restart the computer and then you could choose to clear the "freedom blocks" :P
But I seems like i found a option gonna try this out http://selfcontrolapp.com/
Use Pomodoro app along with Self Control App for OSX and it will help control you wasting time. I use this to blocks websites like Reddit on days I absolutely must work and schedule sites to be blocked from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m
Even if you reboot it keeps running.
Yeah this is dope. I think especially on reddit we need reminders about what exactly we're looking for on reddit...it's dopamine stimulation...we're pavlovian trained to seek that next hit of reward. I use the app called self control to block my internet for 6 or 12 hours at a time. http://selfcontrolapp.com/
I like your advice. I'll definitly try that! Thanks.
I use this for staying away from reddit / distractions: SelfControl is a free and open-source application for Mac OS X that lets you block your own access to distracting websites, your mail servers, or anything else on the Internet. Just set a period of time to block for, add sites to your blacklist, and click "Start." Until that timer expires, you will be unable to access those sites--even if you restart your computer or delete the application. Find Windows alternatives here.
Thanks for the idea of blocking out certain websites. I just downloaded an app called "self control" for my mac.
I also went ahead found some really nice calendars, planners, and organizers from "Productive Flourishing. Very nice stuff.
Thanks for sharing some best practices.
I use http://selfcontrolapp.com (free) for blocking specific sites when doing client work during the day (social media, sports news, etc) and https://macfreedom.com ($10) when I want to block the internet completely.
I know neither are building my discipline but honestly, I just can't trust myself yet. You're right in saying it's a timesink, and I can't let that happen when I'm supposed to be working for clients.
!!!!!!!!!!!GET AN INTERNET BLOCKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I personally find that it doesn't work for me all the time (sometimes I try to get around it), but when it works, it works.
http://selfcontrolapp.com for mac
http://getcoldturkey.com for windows
both free!
not sure about linux, I think there use to be one called self restraint I think, but the Github link is dead, so IDK.
I just finished writing my senior thesis and I used this software called "self control" its this program where you have a blacklist for distracting websites (like reddit and facebook) that you blacklist for a set amount of time. So you cant access those websites until the time is up. Its really, really, really helpful.
download link here:
In terms of software I recommend SelfControll, whenever your working and can't afford to be distracted by Reddit or other sites, this is what you need. iMovie is free and should be good enough for light video editing. The effects can get kind of corny at times though. For steam gaming, the best I can recommend is (if you have large steam library already) to install windows through BootCamp. It's a preinstalled program from Apple that allows you to partition your SSD and dual boot windows and OS X. It's super simple and all you need is a windows 7/8 .iso file or install disk (you'll need a disk drive for that) and about three hours of free time. Most of that time is spend waiting. If you have a large Steam library you should definitely look into that. If not than some great Mac games are Civ V, Portal/2, the walking dead, and FTL come To mind.
As for saving battery life, the best advice I can give you is use Safari! Chrome drains your battery like no tomorrow and Safari is an infinitely better browser in OS X. With multi-touch gestures and iCloud integration it's the only choice. The OS itself should handle the rest. The lattest big release (version 10.9 "Mavericks") included some awesome under the hood changes that sped up computers and made their battery last longer. Read up on it here. It's some crazy awesome stuff.
I use SelfControl. You can add a bunch of sites to your "blacklist" and set it up to block those sites for up to 24 hours. It will keep working even if you log in with a different account, restart your computer, etc.
Have you tried reorganizing your workspace? I am blessed to have a separate "office" room for my working at home, but if I ever feel like I'm getting in a mental rut, I clean up and move shit around.
Also, there's a browser extension called Self Control that helps me when I'm being toooottally scattered. There definitely are days when it's difficult to focus.
If you're using a Mac, try this out. You type in a set amount of time and it blocks whatever sites you like for the remaining time. It won't let you access those site until the time runs out... No matter what. You can delete the program, shut down your computer, whatever you want. It'll still block the sites.
I think downloading an app like http://selfcontrolapp.com/ would be a far easier. It prevents you accessing websites on your blocked list for as long as you desire. It's only available for macs but there are similar windows programs around.
I will second this, and point everyone interested toward a handy tool to help you regulate your Reddit time: Self Control for Mac users, Cold Turkey for non Mac users. I use Self Control to lock out certain websites for however long I want, and it's great for productivity! Cheers.
I use SelfControl to turn off the fun internet for a couple hours at a time when I really need to focus.
And no, this is actually a hole. There's a spot where I can barely slide a chair between a giant concrete pillar and a wall. It's about as glorified as reading in a hallway closet but equally free of distraction.
I've done that thing in the past where you turn your guest room into a fancy study. Floor to ceiling bookshelves swallowing you up in dimly lit hardwood and the scent of old book binding glue is relaxing... but unfortunately not very productive for me. I've had better luck hanging my own cheap fluorescent tube lighting and removing everything else from my field of view.
For mac users this app will blacklist entire websites: http://selfcontrolapp.com/
I won't be able to get a switch until this summer. Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuccck this is going to be a logn semester. At least I will have yooka laylee come april.
I found this app for Mac (edit: forgot link http://selfcontrolapp.com), which unblocks it for a certain time and you can't take it back no matter what (which is exactly what I need). But as long as I still have access on my iPad and phone, it'll be useless!
Good luck to you!
Try: http://getcoldturkey.com it allows you to block certain applications and URLs for a specific time period. It's well worth the investment and the developer is awesome. I use a surface for note taking and I have this set up for lecture so I don't drift off.
Edit: looks like they aren't currently supporting Mac (looks like he will shortly) but he links to: http://selfcontrolapp.com this app can only block URLs.
there's a pretty good app/program called "Self Control" that lets you block sites for up to 24 hours. It's pretty bulletproof too, once you block it there's no way around it.
I waste most of my time on pages like reddit or youtube. A well deserved 10 minutes break easily becomes a "fuck it happened again" 2 hours. And I'm less productive after taking in so much random information. If you have the same problem: Get an app like Self Control and activate it first thing in the morning.
When you begin working on the edTPA, the edTPA handbook is now your life.
Use the rubrics! Use the requirements for a score of 3,4,5 as an outline before you start drafting your commentary. This helped me out immensely by both helping me understand what I was being assessed on, and providing a working format that was easily read by the graders.
WORK WITH A GROUP. I made a core group of friends in my credentialing program and we made plans to work every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We downloaded this app http://selfcontrolapp.com/ (bans you from using websites that you enter for a period of time) and put our phones in a designated area. We all kept each other accountable for showing up and actually working, something which I would have failed miserably on my own.
Have a goddamn schedule and give yourself 2 weeks to spare (which will end up being more like 3 days). I had a giant calendar and planned out which days I would have to finish Task 1: A, B, and C etc. This also forces you to look at the requirements and length of each task.
Have someone proofread your shit. I guarantee you, by the time you are done drafting the commentary for each task, you won't want to look at it again. . . ever. . in your life. This is where having a core group comes into play, we all switched and edited each others work.
Also, keep in mind that so far, the edTPA has a 98% pass rate. That doesn't mean that you should slack off, but it should reduce some of your anxiety. The only (2) people who didn't pass in my cohort were the ones who missed the deadlines. They only gave themselves a week to finish a 50-90 page assessment.
Yep, my average is about 10k. I've been working up to it. Not long after I posted here, I activated Self-Control, which helps, it blocks pretty much the entire web. And I wrote a 6k gay erotic interracial romance set in plantation America.
My best advice is to ignore word counts and focus on making decisions. So if you're stuck on a scene, don't worry about "writing" anything, just start making the decisions you'll need when you do write -- where is it set? who's present? what do they start out doing? what are they doing at the end of the scene? whose car do they take? are they interrupted by anything? Just make those decisions, write something if the mood strikes, then move on. The next day come back and if those decisions don't make the writing easier, then you didn't ask yourself the right questions. Make some more decisions until eventually you'll realize you've basically written the chapter, you just have to put it in paragraphs and add some conjunctions and such.
By the way, if you want to get better at avoiding redditing while at work, I recommend this mac app or this windows app for blocking websites.
Back when I had an iPhone I used to have to have a trusted friend put a parent lock on the web browsing apps, then have them unblock it when it was fine. SelfControl is the closest mac equivalent to cold turkey if you're looking for an alternative to StayFocused http://selfcontrolapp.com/
I've used Self Control on my mac before. It's not a porn blocker per se, but I use it to block my err... 'favourite' sites. It runs for up to 24 hours as at a time, and you can't switch it off (restarting your mac won't help either), so as soon as I get the urge I launch the app.
edit: words and stuff
I'm on OS X and use SelfControl. I have sites that have been the largest time sucks for me in there. If I know I have a ton of work to do for the day, I'll set the timer for 9 hours so I can't get distracted.
For Windows there is SelfRestraint and Cold Turkey.
- meeting 1 - got an appointment for a potential customer!
work on the customer report (with the phone in the other room off and Self Control on) - done, and beautifully too
~~push-ups, a walk with the dog, lunch~~ - poor dog!
~~work on the 2F project, also uninterrupted~~ - poor me!
meeting 2 - awesome! check it out: https://www.commitaction.com
return phone calls and emails - I at least left messages!
~~put together shipments for Friday~~ - none ready, waiting for input
~~take the dog for another walk~~, have a nice slow dinner - poor dog!
no irradiated media before bed! yay, me! I'm off to sleep!
If you're on a Mac, check out the Self-Control app: http://selfcontrolapp.com/
You create a blacklist of websites (i.e. Reddit) and set a time limit. It won't let you visit the websites until the time is up. Regardless if you restart your comp. or even uninstall the app.
I don't think that makes you a workaholic. I think the key thing that characterizes workaholism is a lack of balance. Do you get sleep? Do you eat healthily? Do you spend time socializing? Do you spend time exercising? Do you spend time reading books? Feeling like you should be doing work isn't unhealthy. Its feeling like these other things are unimportant.
Aside from this, browsing the internet for extended periods of time is fucking demoralizing. Why the hell am I on here right now? I dunno, I should get off. Before I do... here, take these: http://selfcontrolapp.com https://www.edx.org/course/mitx/mitx-6-002x-circuits-electronics-2606
Are you on a Mac or PC? There's a program called SelfControl that blocks you from websites that you can enter in, it's helped me get some work done. Here it is. Good luck with the work!
There's a great app available for mac called "Self Control", that allows you to block yourself from accessing certain websites for certain amounts of time. http://selfcontrolapp.com/
If I'm really distracted and not getting anything done I just turn it on for an hour or so, really helps me focus. Also incidentally very useful for getting computer-related homework done, for all the students out there haha.
for INTP crippling perfectionism = crippling procrastination ... or better yet, the latter is a result of the former.
I like that, even if I throw it out... still do something. I use Self Control, a free app for MAC. It's great because the blacklist works across browsers and you can add to the black list while it's currently blocking other sites for whatever amount of time you set.
I highly recommend this self control app! You can tell it which websites to block (ie reddit, tumblr etc) but still leave useful parts of the internet open, for research. I found it quite helpful.
I emailed Andrew from Left Field about the Brand Spotlight. He said he would be willing to help out with any questions we have about the company. I'll probably email him next week with some questions.
I can't wait to see the progression of the sweatpants over on SuFu.
The new Google Maps on Firefox/Mac is super glitchy for me.
I have so much schoolwork to do over the weekend :( Guess I'm gonna have to Self Control it up.
There are a few apps that will help you stay on track. Do you notice yourself returning to places like Reddit without really thinking about it? Here are some apps that may help (depending on OS) http://www.focalfilter.com/ http://selfcontrolapp.com/
These let me block access to websites for a specific amount of time (say I was going to study for 1 hour and then go take a walk), then when the hour is over, I can browse as I want to again. You might want to give them a shot- they've helped me quite a bit.
Thanks for the reply.
How did you get involved in the Formula SAE? Are you doing Mechanical or Automotive?
Self control is a great app to avoid procrastination that kept me on track in Yr 12.
The Self Control App. It denies access to any website (i.e. facebook, reddit) you list for a set amount of time. There is nothing you can do once you set the timer. Restarting or deleting the app wont do anything... you just have to wait it out.
Try using a timed website blocking app. I've been using one on and off today and have gotten so much more shit done than usual. I've been using SelfControl (http://selfcontrolapp.com/), but I'm sure there are others out there too.
Agreed. My take:
OP I think you’re on the right track already, I dont think you’re going to find the answer in a pill, nor do I think you would want to.
21st century living has down regulated our dopamine levels. Quick highs in the form of TV, internet, video games, porn, junk food, drugs, etc. have given us a ton of pleasure for very little effort. What’s the point of everything else when our brain thinks we’re slaying the game? Well, when we step away from those things we crash - the balance between serotonin and dopamine was off kilter and unsustainable.
Happiness is that balance between serotonin and dopamine. Keep trying to achieve that balance through more natural methods (exercise, meditation, socializing, good sleep, healthy food, therapy, skill building, study). With a detox, things have to get worse before they get better. Your brain needs to adjust and find equilibrium again, and that takes time and discomfort. I am not a doctor though, talk to a therapist, if you believe you have a natural imbalance in dopamine/serotonin levels you might need medication, nothing wrong with that.
During the detox, try to cultivate boredom. Block websites through apps like Self Control. Throw out all the junk food, and try mailing your tv remotes to yourself.
Once you cultivate boredom, youre going to want to do something. That’s dopamine. Then, engage in an activity which provides pleasure, is sustainable, and better yet, is compounding. A runner’s high is a good example - the exercise makes your body stronger and the body high gives you pleasure. Win-Win. Even better, find a hobby that hits as many as those natural targets I listed above. For example, rock climbing. Rock climbing provides skill building, exercise and socializing (assuming you’re doing it with a partner). Win-Win-Win.
Maybe you could set up everything needed to apply so that all you needed the internet for is to hit the ‘send’ button?
If you have a Mac you could also try SelfControl, an app that lets you block specific websites for a set length of time http://selfcontrolapp.com
Log off. Grab your homework, a calculator, and your bookbag. If you must bring a phone or a tablet or something, delete games off of it if you can.
Go to a library, or a park bench, or a waiting room somewhere. If you have to, go to school. If you can't find a place to do it, go to the bathroom. Don't bring toys. You need a sanctuary without toys or distractions that you enjoy (there will always be toys and distractions, but the trick is finding places without the ones you like.)
Now accept that you're there until it gets done. You may end up daydreaming, but at least you won't get started on a math problem and then stop because you want a soda, want to go wash some dishes, want to pee again, want to look at porn, want to post on reddit again, want to look up what "jute" is used for, or so on.
Maybe look into the program "SelfRestraint" (Windows) or "SelfControl" (OSX), or some other thing that can block certain websites (Whitelist or Blacklist) for a certain number of hours or days.
Disclaimer: I haven't used the Windows one.
I do use "Leechblock" on all my machines, and it helps too.
maybe visit /r/nosurf
tl;dr: Get off the web and into a cave in as many ways as you can.
I'd better go practice what I'm preaching.
There's Self Control, which is the app that Cold Turkey is derived.
However, if you don't like Self Control, you can view other alternatives here.
For Mac users, SelfControl is an app that blocks websites for a specified period of time at a system level. Even if you restart your computer or remove the program it still leaves them blocked.
When you go to sleep, use something like SelfControl to block the websites you browse in the morning until about 15 min. after you wake up. Alternatively leave your devices outside of your bedroom.
The app self control to get yourself to focus on studying when you really want to browse reddit but know you shouldn't.
Also, consider having soylent and a blender bottle and some hot chocolate powder for when are hungry but don't have enough time to grab real food before class.
Haha way too much. I've used a few different things to limit it though. My latest fav is http://selfcontrolapp.com, the others are too easy to turn off if you're feeling weak. This one is hardcore when you reallyyyy need to focus.
Don't dick off on the internet (try downloading something like selfcontrol)
Find somewhere to study that you can concentrate and be comfortable
Make sure you have everything you need so you aren't making excuses to leave half way through your work because you forgot a charger or your highlighters
Bring a snack/drink
Try to avoid your cellphone, or put it on do not disturb mode
Don't study with people that you know will distract you!
and
- experiment with different ways to focus (it took me forever to realize that if I listened to music on a low volume, I stayed focused for a long time and got distracted a lot less)
I use self-control for Mac http://selfcontrolapp.com
(If you're a PC, click the FAQ button for other options)
I learned that:
-Just because I procrastinate does not mean I am a procrastinator. Moving away from these destructive identity labels help me dissolve the guilt/shame that comes along with sometimes not getting things done.
-I learned how to catch incoming rationalizations and excuses. Now, If I don't get something done, I don't excuse it. This frees me up to resume said task with less guilt/shame.
Those two mindset shifts have immensely helped me.
Also, I created a 6 minute cheat sheet video on motivation and behavior...just re-watched it yesterday and it's pretty baller: http://goo.gl/WNH85Q
:-)
Use SelfControl . It'll shut off your internet for a selected amount of time. And there's NO way to reverse it.
Have a plan. During this time I'm going to work only on my outline for this idea. Or I'm just going to try to flush out this particular idea more. Or I'm going to get some pages done on this particular script.
Don't stop because you can't come up with a name for someone or you can't figure out how to spell a word or you think there's a better word for what you're trying to say. Just keep moving and come back to it later. It's just another form of procrastination.
Freewrite if you get stuck. Just open a word doc and just write for 10 minutes straight about your screenplay.
There is an app called self control that changed my college career. It blocks websites for a predetermined amount of time and has no way to cancel. I love you reddit, but sometimes a dude's gotta write a paper.
I use an app called Self Control which allows me to add websites I know will distract me. You could then just put on music via a streaming service, if you have it of course, and work. (I do that because I blocked YouTube).
If you have a windows computer, here are some alternatives:
Also, give yourself some motivation, like, the relief of being done or even one sweetie for every paragraph completed.
Hope that was of some help to you! I apologise for not going into too much detail, I'm posting via mobile.
P.S: You should also hide your electronics somewhere, if they are distracting you!
I use a program called Self Control. It's an app though, not a browser, but it's pretty neat because there are options (block just a couple sites, or block everything but a couple sites, and you set the time).
You can say what you use mac for so everyone can chime in some personal apps that'll benefit you. I use SelfControl, which gets hardly mentioned, to block out distracting websites.
This Self Control app saved my ass on a number of occasions. It let me block reddit, ESPN, Facebook, whatever was getting in my way of studying or writing a paper or whatever. Type in your distracting sites, set a timer for how long your work takes, hit go and get to work!
Check out mac app called Self Control.
It block your in/out-going network traffic for the amount of time that you've specified. It can work in both blacklist (only block websites/services that are on the list), or whitelist mode (only allow traffic from specified URLs, and block everything else).
Old post, sorry, but if you're still having trouble with this you could try using a native programme, not an extension.
Self Control for mac allows you to block websites for the selected length of time (up to 24 hours), even if you restart the computer or delete the app.
k9 for pc or mac looks highly configurable, its made to block specific porn sites, but also includes a custom blacklist, password override etc. The only thing it doesnt have which could be nice is time limits, like, only 30 mins on facebook per day or whatever.
both are free.
Not necessarily creative, but the Self Control app for Macs is certainly reliable. You can blacklist websites for a set amount of time, and it's impossible to turn off once running. You can also reverse it for a whitelist (where you set the only URLs you are allowed to visit.)
I also recently "unfollowed" about 85% of my facebook friends, so I don't get caught up in that infinite feed on the home page.
I would go even further. Those extension just block that site within the browser and when the extension is activated. You should look into SelfControl or its Windows derivates: http://selfcontrolapp.com/ https://github.com/slambert/selfcontrol/wiki/FAQ
I think I can help you..give up your computer..your brain automatically takes the path of least resistance..humans have taken the path of least resistance for 1000s of years..for example you live 5 miles away from a river and this river is your soul source of water a male needs 2.5 liters of water a day.. whats easier traveling 5 miles to the river 5 times a day to get the amount of water you need (25 miles)? or making 3 1 liter containers and traveling to the river filling up your containers and going back to where you live (10 miles)? going a step further looking at the aquaducts the greeks and romans built to bring water to them instead of wasting energy and time of bringing it to them..so my solution is simple make it hard for you to get on your desktop/laptop/tablet/iphone..easiest way is ask your parents to change wifi codes if living alone disconnect modem/router put it in a closet that is the furthest away from the place you spend the most time..put books/musicalinstruments/anything else you would like to do in the place you spend the most time( livingroom/bedroom) you could also block reddit and other websites using http://selfcontrolapp.com/
someone recommended this one in a former thread awhile back, this APP appropriately called Self Control, lets you list websites that you dont want to be allowed to visit for a set amount of time. Perfect for FINALS studying!!!
- set small, concrete, mini-goals, and hold yourself to accomplishing at least one every day. For example, day 1: If I get only one thing done today, I will... write an outline of the whole finished thesis. day 2: I will fill in my introduction section. day 3, I will compile my data, day 4, I will analyze my data (or whatever sections your paper has, I don't know your discipline). The key here is that you can always do more if you have time, but don't let yourself slip on that one goal. After all, you can tell yourself it's just one thing, so you can do that just one thing before the day is over. That's manageable.
- relatedly, maybe make a timeline for what you realistically think you can get done while working full time so you know what you'll have to do to prep?
- I love the pomodoro technique for actually forcing myself to get work done. I have an iphone, and my favorite app is procraster. There are some good browser extensions too.
- for closing/blocking reddit & other distracting sites, I love the mac app http://selfcontrolapp.com/. I am not sure of what is available for windows or other platforms, but I recommend something like that that you CANNOT RESET. I've used the stayfocusd chrome extension to limit my distraction time, but it's sooo easy to turn off that I just cheat. Selfcontrol has no way to turn it off until the timer is up. (I'm weak though, it's hard for me to stay away from distractions).
That's all I've really got, besides the good advice others have given, such as getting enough sleep and self care. Good luck!
Check this out then. One you block a site and set the time for it to be blocked, the ONLY way for it to be unblocked is by letting the time run out. Not even uninstalling the app will do it.
Dowload this app: http://selfcontrolapp.com . You set a timer and enter the websites that distract you and it keeps them blocked for that amount of time... no matter what (even if you delete the program or restart the computer). Game changer.
Way way way too late for this but download this guy if you find yourself getting distracted by stuff online: http://selfcontrolapp.com/
I use it during writing papers and studying for large exams to stay really focussed. It will let you block certain websites (netflix, reddit, facebook, espn, etc) for however long you want and there is NO way to turn it off.
PS if you find a way to turn it off, don't tell me. I don't want to know.
There actually is a program called SelfControl which allows you to blacklist websites for a set amount of time. Unfortunately I usually end up spending most of the time trying to figure out how to get around it but it generally works well. I can't find the windows version right now but here are the mac and linux download links:
http://selfcontrolapp.com/ http://svn.jklmnop.net/projects/SelfControl.html
Go to an art school where you don't get grades and tests don't exist!
But in seriousness, when I need to get something done I use self control. You add whatever sites tempt you most to the list and you're unable to access them for the length of time you set.
Self Control App for Mac or Self-Restraint App for PC
Best tools for turning off those sites that distract you while studying. You set a specific timer and sites to block and then nothing (and I mean nothing, be careful) will allow you to look at these sites until the timer is up. Very useful as I'll just unconsciously click facebook or reddit then when I noticed it's blocked it will trigger the thought 'oh ya, back to studying'.
Similar situation to you man (I think 6 weeks). If you big issue is getting distracted on reddit and the like use a program like SelfControl ( http://selfcontrolapp.com ) or FocalFilter ( http://www.focalfilter.com ). Try and break the projects out into chunks (>20min works for me). Exercise, preferably early in the morning. Listen to music while you study/write. Good luck with getting your shit done and your diagnosis
self control isn't a chrome add-on its just an app for mac. I don't really know how safe it is, but its pretty simple and works well. I know a bunch of people who use it. Below is the link to the site. If you find out anything harmful though can you let me know?
I´m using K9 + restrictions on my router. And combining it with Self Control, great tool for us mac users. http://selfcontrolapp.com
You choose exactly what sites to block and for how long. Then its impossible to bypass the program. Impossible, for real! By default you can only block sites for one day, 24h, but you can do a tweak and amp up the amount of time to infinity. I´ve chosen a year for all the porn sites I usually visit + various torrent sites. Heres how to tweak Self Control: https://github.com/slambert/selfcontrol/wiki/Tweaking-Max-Block-Length-and-Block-Length-Interval
On my iPhone I recently started using the new parental controls that came with iOS7. So now my armor and defense are thick to get through, the rest is up to me.
I like how you broke down my post and analyzed it. Almost like you're capable of writing an essay.....Seriously, if you are actually trying to turn your life around stop posting about it on reddit and DO something about it. I haven't responded to this, because I've been working on finals all week. Because I care about my education and the enormous amount of money that my parents are spending for me to have a good one. This app: http://selfcontrolapp.com/ has done wonders for me. It blocks any website you tell it to, for however long you want, up to 24 hours. And there's no way to reverse it. I highly recommend you get something like this to help you next semester.
This is immensely helpful with my reddit procrastination!! It will disable specified websites for a certain amount of time, and quitting/deleting the app or even restarting your computer will not reverse this. Mac redditors, get this now!
Interwebs got ya down use a tool called SelfControl!! It will deny you access to website such as facebook, youtube, and pornhub for any amount of time!
Oh and here is a link: http://selfcontrolapp.com/
It is only available on Macs which makes it double cool... sorta. AKA it is worthless if you actually own a reputable machine (Linux because thats what real men use).
download this app http://selfcontrolapp.com I shut down the internet with it for 24 hours whenever I relapse. Stay away from your computer as much as possible. Surfing the web is bad.
I would recommend kicking one habit at a time. Porn is worse than weed.
I have been trying this for almost three years now, I relapse usually every 5 or 6 days, but I think I finally got the hang of it. You get better at it with practice, just like anything else.