11. my current attempt at time tracking

Time: 10:46pm

Focus: write newsletter about time tracking

Music: none

This is something I tested out this past week. When I sat down to a work session, I’d write out in my notebook: starting time, my main focus for the session, what music I’m listening to. Then underneath that, I would sometimes include notes as I worked, or use the space to plan and figure things out. When I was done working, I’d write down the time I finished and a short list of what I completed, and sometimes what I wanted to work on next.

Why am I doing it this way, instead of using an app that can categorize and calculate accumulated hours and etc?

1. I wanted a ritual for starting and ending work

I came up with this idea when thinking about how I could better separate working and not working time. It’s all started to blur together. I wanted a small ritual that could signal to me that I was beginning, or ending work.

2. Changing the medium helps with the transition

Using a physical object, instead of something digital, is a break from my computer screen where I’m doing the work. I also think in scribbles, so the notebook also serves as space for thinking things through and taking notes.

3. I haven’t found the One

The only time tracking app I used consistently was for my previous job. I think it was easy to use consistently because I didn’t have to do any of the project set up. For personal time tracking, I’ve tried a handful of apps, and while I used all of them for a while, I’d eventually fade away.

Maybe it’d be different now that I’m working for myself full-time, and since I’m not trying to squeeze things in where I can, I’d be using the apps a lot more frequently? Hm, maybe over the next few weeks I’ll consider trying some out again. I’d have to revisit the drawing board for a ritual though. Or do both. If you have a favorite time tracking app, I’d love to hear about it!

✌🏽+💗,
SJ

instagram: @themostawful
youtube: SJ’s Screen

Next week:

• establishing an app studio to publish under

Time: 11:48pm

Completed: wrote and sent newsletter about time tracking