Concentrate helps you work & study by eliminating distractions (mac app) | Hacker News Reader

Concentrate helps you work & study by eliminating distractions (mac app)

getconcentrating.com

39 pointstortilla19 comments

Attention management is an interesting / emerging space.

There are a few other Mac apps out there (http://macfreedom.com/, http://visitsteve.com/work/selfcontrol/), and a few Firefox extensions (http://www.proginosko.com/leechblock.html) that seem similar, although more web-connection focused, rather than web-and-application-focused.

I'm also half of a startup team working on http://monotask.com, which seems somewhat similar to Concentrate (we'll almost certainly ask HN for feedback / critiques when we launch).

I've only just downloaded the Concentrate beta, but it looks like a solid app. Also, I really like the name / icon.

Two problems:

- I can't say exactly which websites let me get work done (answers to coding and algorithm questions are spread through the web).

- A small amount of distraction helps me concentrate

Now, ignoring the second problem, perhaps block some sites, like hacker news, could help. But you hardly need sophisticated app for that...

Both are valid concerns / issues. We've hopefully addressed them both within Monotask, but we'll see how it survives the beta and how it'll need to evolve. Would love your input when we launch.

Firefox extensions (http://www.proginosko.com/leechblock.html) that seem similar

Greasemonkey extension for the same thing:

http://lifehacker.com/software/greasemonkey/invisibility-clo...

Maybe it's just me, but every time I try a new software solution for time management, I find myself on Wikipedia within 10 minutes. The most effective technique I have discovered recently for concentrating is turning the damn thing off. Sounds crazy I know, but you'd be surprised how productive it can be to take an hour or two with a pen and paper attacking your problem with no electronics present.

I am the same way. I'm far more productive when I draw/write any design/development abstract on paper. Once you have a finished blueprint it is far easier to stay focused on executing your plan.

You need an app to keep you from visiting websites?

Given the "noprocrast" feature on HN, I think that's not uncommon.

There are also a couple of YC funded ventures that offer time management tools: 8aweek and RescueTime

8aweek bit the dust a while ago, and RescueTime is too analytics-oriented. This app might be just the thing!

> RescueTime is too analytics-oriented

Maybe, but what gets measured, gets done.

> Maybe, but what gets measured, gets done.

What gets measured is what got done. It may not be what you wanted to get done.

This might just be me, but the background is kind of distracting.

The can of concentrate is rough, too, the perspective's off. Plus it looks like a battery.

I thought it was meant to be a battery with the message giving you more power to do your tasks?

I think he/she modeled it after the Minute Maid can (see below). It's a good point though: people outside Minute Maid's end markets may not identify with the logo.

http://www.freshdirect.com/media/images/product/frozen/fro_m...

It's not nearly as full featured as concentrate, but see also Freedom (also for Mac): http://macfreedom.com/

And similar app for windows out there?

Or linux?

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