ninja hack 2/30: productivity and focus with accountability

If you feel you can't commit to one task, keep switching between open tabs, or get distracted while "working"

and at the end of the day you feel you did nothing or don't even know where your time went,

let me tell you; it's fixable.

The answer: accountability.

Research shows that:

? setting specific goals

? being held accountable for achieving them

?? stimulate brain activity.

When we set goals, our brains create pathways that help us focus attention, make decisions, and take action towards achieving those goals.

I have an amazing tool for you today:

?? Focusmate ??

Not only does it help you to focus, but serves as a virtual coworking so you don't feel alone while working.

If you consider this content valuable, the content I share on my Linkedin and newsletter may be ideal for you

?? Important things to consider

This platform is basically:

• Selecting when you want to focus and for how long (25, 50 or 75 minutes)
• Matching with another person that wants to focus (random or favorites)
• Declaring your goals for the session: (I will finish sending this email, I will finish doing dishes, I will work on the design for X project, I will fold laundry)
• Starting the work having the camera on. Not talking but really focusing.
• When the session ends, checking with your partner and celebrating the progress!

?? Steps to follow:

1. Create you account (it's free and you don't have to download anything). Disclaimer: using that link, you will get 1 month of unlimited bookings for free ??

2. Go to "Book a session"

3. Select the features you want for your session:

According to: date, time, duration, the tasks you will perform, and peers you want to do it with.

4. Select if you need Quiet mode.

This is a separate feature I want to mention as the important thing of Focusmate is that you talk about the goals you will accomplish during the session (remember: accountability). So if you are in a library or a place where you can't speak, you will notify your focus partner that you will write them down in the chat.

5. Join the video call

Then greet your partner, share your session goals and get to work!

6. Celebrate your progress

At the end of the session, make a verbal check in at the end of the session to update on what you accomplished. Saying it out loud makes your brain acknowledge the great work and have clarity on next steps.

PLEASE:

Keep it as a nice experience:

? NO harmful, sexual, or hateful actions or comments

? NO flirting or prying personal details

? NO promoting or selling any products or services

? NO recording or screenshotting your partner without their consent

?? Extra tips:

→ I recommend you setting the 25-minute sessions as it connects with Pomodoro technique (read ninja hack #3 if you don't know what is it).

→ If you enjoyed working with that partner, you can mark it as Favorite and schedule more sessions later on!

→ Follow me for more travel hacks and less multitasking: Laura Lavgo ???