Work Hard, Party Harder. But Don't Combine the Two.

Use these softwares to limit your procrastination.

1.     Write or Die

For: Windows, Mac and Linux

Use this software to boost productivity when writing, be that an academic paper or more creative undertakings. You can pick a time limit, a word count goal and a “grace period” (time period after which the punishment is activated). You can also choose the difficulty level of your punishment – the “gentle” mode simply sends a pop-up reminder to continue working, while the “normal” mode plays unpleasant sounds such as a baby’s wail that continue until the typing resumes. The severest punishment is the Kamikaze mode where the software will begin to delete your work if you are not keeping up with your goals.  Later versions also have “Reward” modes that provide positive reinforcement with custom reward images once you achieve your goals.

2.     Freedom

For: Windows and Mac

Block the Internet for a certain time period set by you to limit procrastination. The Internet can be blocked using this software for time periods ranging from 45 minutes to 8 hours, allowing you to work without distractions.

This software can be purchased for $10.

3.     Stop Distractions

For: Windows

Block certain websites for a specified time period, while still retaining access to other websites, so that distractions can be tuned out while allowing you to focus on work that requires Internet access.

4.     Writeroom

For: Mac

Use this software to allow MS word to take up the whole screen while you’re working on it, so as to compel you to focus on what you’re working on, without distractions.

5.     MeeTimer

For: Mozilla Firefox Browsers

Monitor the amount of time spent browsing different websites. This software also compiles this data to give you statistics about your surfing habits. It also informs you of your procrastination, in that, it gives you an estimate of the percentage of the time you spent surfing the Internet that could have been spent working instead. This software induces a feeling of guilt to boost your productivity.

6.     Procrastination Killer

For: Windows

Work in spurts of productivity on different tasks interspersed with the much-deserved break using this software. Procrastination Killer works on the 10*2*5 law – it has a timer that forces you to work on a task for 10 minutes. It then allows you a 2 - minute break where you can do what you want, including surfing the Internet. After this break is over, it gives you 5 minutes to work on another task. This software mixes up tasks to provide novelty, while at the same time allowing breaks to ensure maximum productivity and quality.