Staying productive on computer with all of the distractions and rabbit holes it can provide is a constant battle. In this question, originally posted over at Quora.com, I provide my thoughts.
Question: What are the most productive things to spend time doing on a computer?
Answer: Computers can be highly productive tools or incredible devices for procrastination. What you consider productive use of your time on your computer will greatly depend on what you absolutely need it for.
My husband is a computer programmer and also runs an online business selling receipt printer paper. Most people think that he loves to be on the computer. In fact, he’d much rather be doing just about anything else. He spends as little time as possible getting the work he needs to done. The rest of his time is spent away from the computer.
Computers can be very useful as long as you consider the job they are meant to do. When was the last time you saw a blender at a baseball game (unless you planned to make margaritas and had a way to get power to it) or a paint brush in a dance studio?
These tools aren’t appropriate in these scenarios just as computers aren’t appropriate for certain categories of your life as well. Therefore, consider carefully, what you want the computer to accomplish. Keep in mind that what you use your computer for will be different than what I may use it for.
- Are you using it for fun such as playing games or learning a new hobby?
- Do you need it to run a business or do work?
- Is it necessary for corresponding with others?
Once you know WHAT you want to use it for, it is much easier to determine the most productive way to use it.
Block out chunks of 45 minutes and never spend more than that without getting up and moving around. You will stay more productive by limiting the amount of time you use a computer in any one sitting. After 10 minutes or so, you can resume your work.
Have clear goals whenever you sit down to use the computer. What do you want to accomplish in this sitting?
And remember to avoid distractions and stay on target by using apps to prevent you from going where you don’t want to go.