Protecting Yourself Against Yourself: Blocking Apps for Focus

Although we’d all like to have such a high degree of self-control that we don’t need any external aids to keep ourselves focused and present when using technology, in practice we can all use a little help.   There are a variety of apps you can use to resist technological temptation by making it impossible (or at least very difficult) to succumb to that temptation.   Some good examples are:

• Focus: Blocks distracting websites, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit.   Can also block apps.   Lets you pick what to block and for how long.
• Isolator: While working on a document, covers up the Dock, desktop, desktop icons, and windows of all other apps.   Although it doesn’t prevent you from switching to other apps, it does reduce the temptation.
• Focus Me: Blocks distracting web sites and apps of your choice.   Can schedule blocking sessions, e.g., daily from 9am-5pm.   Has built-in Pomodoro timer.   Supports browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, and Safari.

There’s no shame in needing a little nudge to keep yourself on track.   Try one of these distraction blockers and let us know what you think.