This is probably the quickest, shortest tip in getting things done that you’ll ever read. Keep in mind, this is about getting things done on your computer.
Several weeks ago, I was messing around with my App Dock. Now, before all you Windows users stop reading, let me tell you that I used to do the same thing with my Windows Taskbar. I would try it on the sides, the bottom (where it usually is) and the top. When I was a Windows users, I usually liked it at the top. Weird, I know.
After having surveyed a few online friends about how they like their Apple App Dock positioned (this post is seeming weirder and weirder as I write this), I decided to give the ‘hiding’ dock a try.
Here’s what I found:
FOCUS!
I couldn’t believe how much more focused I became on my tasks. My mind wasn’t distracted by those shiny pretty icons. My habitual email check-in, my Twitter pass-by, those nasty habits along with the icons staring at me had been diverting my attention from the primary task—window—that I needed to be working on.
Now when I want to switch apps, instead of mousing to the dock, I use CMD+TAB or mouse over to ‘unhide’ it. The same can be done for Windows, too. Just setup your Windows Taskbar to auto-hide the same way, and you can use ALT+TAB to switch programs or mouse over to ‘unhide’ it.
I know it isn’t much and may have more to do with personal preference than anything else, but I have found that having less peripheral stuff on my desktop is helping increase my focus by eliminating distractions. It was a little hard to get used to at first, since it changed my keystroke and muscle memory habits, but after doing this for a few weeks, I’ll never go back.
Where do you like your Apple App Dock or Windows Taskbar?
Do you have a quick tip to share on keeping focused while you work?
Eric Dye
Support Lead at Valet, and Proprietor of DYECASTING. Human by day, gamer at night, lover of coffee, and all things spicy.
For me, this has been a must for years. In addition, I removed all the icons from my desktop, and I use Launchy (on Windows) or Alfred (OS X) to start my programs. No docs or apps on my desktop to distract me.
Sometimes, I expand on the concept by taking a window full screen (ensuring I only have one) or just minimizing all the others (using the desktop background as a “border” for my work.
I also turn off as many popup alerts as I can (I have the notification center completely disabled on OS X) so that those things don’t become part of my attention unless I want them to be.
Nice tips, Andrew—thank you! I’ll have to look at Launchy and write something up for Windows users. 😀
Also, I see a Slack icon in your dock there – mind sharing what you’re using Slack for and what you think of it so far? It seems really cool, but I haven’t managed to implement using it anywhere yet.
Yes! KC and I use it to collaborate and communicate about ChurchMag Press projects, etc… Hmmm…sounds like I need to write something up about Slack, what it does, how it works, etc… A little much for the comments section. Stay tuned! 😀