I Hacked My Clock to Control My Focus

As someone who has struggled with distractions and maintaining focus, I was determined to find a solution that would help me stay on track. One simple yet effective hack I discovered was turning my computer's clock into a constant reminder to help me concentrate.

The Hack: A Persistent Focus Reminder

I started by installing the Panel Date Format extension from the GNOME Extensions website. This extension allows me to customize the display format of my desktop clock, which would eventually become a powerful tool for controlling my focus.

Next, I created a file named focus.sh in my preferred location. This script would serve as the brain behind our hack, and would be triggered by a simple command: focus.sh or coding.sh (or marketing.sh, depending on my intended focus). With this single command, my clock would feature a persistent reminder of my chosen task.

Here's what I saw when the focus was set to 'Coding:

This hack works because it piggybacks on an existing behavior pattern rather than trying to create a new one. By leveraging the familiar display format of my clock, I've created a subtle yet powerful cue that helps me stay focused on the task at hand.

With this simple hack, I've been able to improve my productivity and reduce distractions. Whether you're a developer, writer, or simply someone who struggles with focus, I encourage you to try out this technique for yourself. You might be surprised by the impact it can have on your daily workflow.