[jacquesm]

When I really have to work I use a chess clock. Old fashioned, mechanical, large and an ugly reminder of my time 'off the clock' because then the other clock starts to tick. The ratio between those two is the thing to maximize and it's extremely easy to use. Stop working just push one button, start working press again on the opposite side.

Very useful little trick and way easier to use than anything online or in an 'app'.

[pcmaffey]

Thanks for this. I've been looking for an excuse to buy a chess clock.

[loumf]

RescueTime is a pretty good approximation of this for me and is automatic.

[4ndr3vv]

Two different solutions; RescueTime is good at analysing how your time is spent after the fact. A chess clock is a great real time stopwatch "oh man i've been googling rhubarb crumble recipes for 14 minutes..."

[ivm]

If you're on Mac then Qbserve[1] (our app) will show feedback on your productivity in real time.

[1] https://qotoqot.com/qbserve/