Reading time: 3 – 5 minutes
The other day I read the story of a woman walking along with three little girls at the airport. They were skipping and singing excited to meet Daddy coming home on a jet. Their eyes shining with eagerness and anticipation. 
When the passengers started streaming in you could pick out their Daddy immediately because their eyes were completely glued on him. But Daddy’s first look was for his wife and the first words out of his mouth were, “Why the heck didn’t you bring me my top coat!?”
The story goes on to say, “You see, here was a man who had an opportunity to be great, and he didn’t recognize it.”
How many times do we have an opportunity to be great, and pass it by?
How many times do we do what’s urgent instead of focusing on what really matters most?
Several months ago I told you about a simple tool that helped shoot my focus and therefore my productivity through the roof. If you didn’t catch that post you can read it here:
The Multi-Tasking Myth Debunked
I also told you I would be revealing to you another tool I have been testing that helps you easily and effortlessly track how productive you are on the computer so you can banish distractions and…that’s right, you guessed it…
focus on what matters most!
It’s called Rescue Time and you can sign up for ‘nada’ by clicking here.
With this tool you can:
- set goals that will nudge you in real time
- block distracting sites for short or long bursts of focus time (this one is my favorite)
- see ‘purty’ colored graphical breakdowns of the time you spent on apps, sites, or documents you use
Bright blue = “good” time.
Red = “bad” time. - and for the twisted minds amongst you I suppose it could also be used to see where your significant other or kids are spending their time online.
(Although for this you will have to upgrade to the pro version so your own personal stats aren’t affected OR just turn tracking off whenever you’d like.)
Here’s why I hate this tool:
It’s not always pleasant to see an unbiased look at where you are REALLY spending your time.
In this respect, Rescue Time, can turn into a nagging mother looking over your shoulder with a look of disapproval. But let’s face it, you can always count on momma to smack you right in the face with the truth when you need it the most and least ask for it.
And here you were, smugly thinking you were so productive when in reality after looking at your stats you’re forced to say, “WHAT!!? I spend THAT much time frolicking on Facebook looking at old Grandpa Joe’s pic’s of his weekend out with the ladies?!”
Hmmm, see what I mean?
Not exactly the picture of an entrepreneurial peak performer is it? ;-]
Now for the reason I love this tool.
Ready?
You’re forced to say, “WHAT!!? I spend THAT much time frolicking on Facebook looking at old Grandpa Joe’s pic’s of his weekend out with the ladies?!”
Yup, that’s right. I love it for the same reason I hate it.
Because trust me, the next time you reach to check your email or social networking site for the umpteenth time unnecessarily, you’ll think of good old momma Rescue Time watching your every move.
And that my friends can be a good thing.
So there you have it.
Here’s the link to sign up again:
http://yiselg.com/go/rescuetime
And remember…
Be great!
