Control of lost time: learn to observe balance

How much time spent “at the computer” or “at work” do you really use with advantage? And how much do you spend in vain? I read a note about an interesting software tool and decided to share with you a non-program method of recording time spent . This method is the best find for a freelancer (I am a self-employed business consultant).

The method is based on a chess clock . Yes, yes, the usual chess clock with two timers. The essence of their work: when time runs on one timer, on the other it costs. When the allotted time expires, the clock emits a signal. To use a chess clock for self-motivation you will have to ... get used to push the button. It's not so difficult - for example, during the writing of this article, I pressed more than two thousand buttons :)

So, the actual way:
1. We set the necessary number of working hours on the “working” timer. I usually put six.
2. On the "non-working" timer we assign to the maximum;)
3. Push the button. "Working time" begins to decrease, we begin to work.
4. As soon as we receive a message via ICQ, Skype or mail, as soon as the hand opens the store or our favorite Habr in thought, as soon as we are called to smoke, we press the “idle timer” button, the working time stops. No remorse, no violence against oneself, no attempts to work “just a minute and then smoke,” if you don't want to. Just hit the button!
5. Returning to work, we restart the working time timer.

The essence of the system : we always see how much is really worked out for the good of the cause, and how much is left to work for the daily rate. And at the same time - how much time was killed in vain in a day. While the flag on the "working" dial does not fall, we do not get up from the table and do not leave.
')
At first, the gap between real numbers and “hmm, but it seemed to me” is simply monstrous. But then it starts to shrink, time ceases to flow into nowhere, labor efficiency rises and what takes two weeks is done in three days. At the same time without constant self-rape and without night rush jobs on the last day.

I summarize. The principle is: “we work - the timer ticks, we do not work - it is worth it”. Until we work out honest working hours, we don’t leave the workplace. Try it. Time has gone.