I'm methodically working through an action plan towards more fulfilling work. However, a shiny new path has unexpectedly opened up and I'm not sure if it's an opportunity or just a distraction. What to do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 8, 2009 - 6 answers

How do I deal with a coworker (and potential friend) who is distracting me at work? [more inside]
posted by Buttons on Aug 5, 2009 - 12 answers

I got laid off two months ago and haven't been working. I have several creative projects I'd like to work on, as well as look for a new job. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 20, 2009 - 10 answers

Does loud, distinctly heard cheering (not general crowd roar) "work"? Is it at least benign? [more inside]
posted by BaxterG4 on Aug 9, 2008 - 23 answers

Please suggest fun thing for me to do while housebound and healing from fractures. [more inside]
posted by betterton on Mar 19, 2008 - 25 answers

Procrastinators: Is your PDA/smartphone a net negative or a net positive from a productivity standpoint? [more inside]
posted by fermion on Dec 4, 2007 - 12 answers

I am looking for a small device that I can either wear or carry in my pocket that will beep, ring, and/or vibrate at a pre-set interval. (I'm thinking every 15 minutes.) I am an easily distracted individual, and I think that this would help me focus on what I should be doing at the moment.
posted by qvtqht on Jan 10, 2007 - 13 answers

I like to walk when I think, but this activity frequently leads to distractions. What to do? [more inside]
posted by sid on Jan 4, 2007 - 14 answers

[AmIWeirdFilter] I can't do any serious reading or writing without background noise. Am I weird? [more inside]
posted by k8t on Dec 5, 2006 - 12 answers

How can I compartmentalize my thoughts/life in order to be productive? [more inside]
posted by greta simone on Sep 16, 2006 - 12 answers

Is there a whitelist-based internet blocker to help me focus on work? [more inside]
posted by underwater on Feb 28, 2006 - 11 answers

Mac-Distraction-Filter: I need to write using my mac but I am endlessly distracted by the internets and email. [more inside]
posted by captainscared on Nov 27, 2005 - 21 answers

I feel like my brain has stopped working and I'd like to get it fixed. A whole hell of a lot more inside. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff on Dec 1, 2004 - 47 answers

I'm looking for advice on a computer game that would allow me to put work aside, and give my brain a break.

A few things to note:

-I freelance illustrate. So the only boss I have to worry about is me
-I exclusively use a laptop that can only run 3d games at low settings (but it works!)
-FPS games give me motion sickness
-Sim games are fun, but sometimes the micromanagent and replay value is low.
-RTS games are great, but replay value is a must if I'm going to sink 50 dollars into it.
-MMPORGs: I love them, but i don't love the tedious time you have to sink into them to level up.
-Are gameboys a way to go instead?

Any suggestions?
posted by Hands of Manos on Nov 24, 2004 - 47 answers

I can go all day without smoking a cigarette if my mind is on something else, but when I have them I go through half a pack to three quarters of a pack a day. Is this normal? I know that some people lack a way to properly break down nicotine in their bodies, requiring less smoking per day. Does this have something to do with it?
posted by Keyser Soze on Jun 20, 2004 - 24 answers

Aside from putting every site I tend to spend too much time on (including this one, shortly) into my hosts file pointing to 127.0.0.1, what are some other good tips on how to stay focused on your work and not get distracted?
posted by Space Coyote on Jan 2, 2004 - 10 answers