Are you information worker? Are you sitting in front of the computer ton of time? Do you sometimes lose the sense of time?… Then how do you control yourself to avoid this?
You need your personal time dashboard, your time cockpit.
by sekido
I am using Windows Vista Sidebar to set my time control dashboard. It is always on top thus constantly visible and showing in real time what’s going on. There are four fundamental question I need to get an answer at any give time:
- What’s the next action item?
- When do I switch gears between work and life?
- When does the pay check comes in?
- Is it time to buy or to sell?
 |
What’s next action item?I am using Outlook Upcoming Appointments gadget to display what I have in my Outlook Calendar. The Outlook Calendar consists of the meetings I was invited and I also manage my personal tasks in Outlook Calendar too. When do I switch gears between work and life?Or in other words “What time is it?”. This is most trivial and I use Vista’s built-in Clock gadget. When does the pay check come in?This is a bit broader time question, but important too. I use Vista’s built-in Calendar gadget that perfectly gives me the answer. Is it time to buy or to sell?This question is relevant to those who are invested in stocks. I use this view to see trends in the IT market. Stock changes might indicate an interesting developments, such as this. BTW, here are few useful tips from Vered who’s in the know. |
Where are you? - Here. What time is it? - Now. What are you? - This moment. - Peaceful Warrior
What’s your time controlling method?
9 comments ↓
Ahh, time controlling method. It used to be easy until I started blogging, and joined a startup, almost at the same time. I now spend way too much time on front of the computer.
I am going to try your method. I like it.
Isn’t it awfully late over there right now? Or have you set this up to publish via timer?
This is a wonderful tip. I’m impressed with the sidebar and its effectiveness in time management. Are there any pitfalls to watch for?
Shilpan
Shilpan
it was awfully late… but I was aware of it. I use my time control dashboard for that ;).
Tell me if it is really useful once you used it for some time.
Shilpan,
WRT pitfalls - I am not aware of any. It really helps me. The only thing to mention that I got used to it so much so that when I am w/out my laptop I lose sense of time… recently I even screed few meetings because of it.
one of the things that helps me stay productive on the computer are:
1. using templates (especially word documents and powerpoint)
2. using the right software
I just got introduced to Tibco Spotfire. It’s like Excel pivot tables on steriods. lots and lots of steriods.
You are right, computer is the best tool to make anyone busy, or you can always set a meeting ;). BTW, I am an information worker and I am paid purely for staring at the screen - imagine that. I do not have to tell you how many distractions are there when you behind the screen…. this time control dashboard keeps me on track.
Templates are my friend too, even w/blogging:
http://practicethis.com/blog-post-template-plugin-for-windows-live-writer/
[...] as Outlook 2007 categories I block time in the Calendar proactively. I monitor it through my time control dashboard based on Vista Sidebar. For each time slot I peacefully process relevant pipeline items tagged with similar category. [...]
If you are running Windows Vista then you have it all.
First you need to make the sidebar to show. If the sidebar is not on just press Windows button and Space button. Then right click on it and choose “Add gadgets…”. You can pick built in Clock, Calendar, and Stocks gadgets. To download Outlook gadget follow the link in the post to download it and follow the instructions.
Was it helpful?
Leave a Comment