FYI: A Free Timer to Download

For years, I've been working with students who struggle with procrastination and getting started on a writing project. It is a problem with which I have always struggled; so, I know how hard it can prove.

My current struggle is to make time each day to write, read and think; but--depending on the project--sometimes it's still just getting started. One trick I've used to jump start my starting a project is that of setting a kitchen timer for ten or fifteen minutes, and telling myself, "I'll work until the timer goes off. When it does, I'll decide if I want to go on. If I don't want to go on, at least I've put in ten or fifteen minutes." Usually, just the ten minutes allows me to make enough of a start that I can continue. If worse comes to worst, I've wasted ten or fifteen minutes just sitting and thinking what a putz I am.

Of course, if you're a student, having the money, motivation, and time to buy a kitchen timer can prove a hindrance. The net to the rescue. Today, lifehacker, one of my favorite productivity blogs, posted the following article on a timer which the folks who work in Windows can download for free.

from Lifehacker by Jason Fitzpatrick

Windows only: Stop wondering where the time went and start using a timer to be more productive. Cool Timer is a small timer application with three modes: countdown, stopwatch and alarm clock. You can customize the color scheme and size of the clock to make it easier to see it at a distance, and you can assign a text message to an alarm to serve as a reminder. Included are several basic sound files like a gong, alarm clock, etc. but you can use any WAV, MP3 or MIDI file you want. If you use certain countdown times and alarms frequently, you can save them for repeat use. If you're looking for a Linux solution check out Timer Applet, for Macs check out Alarm Clock 2. Cool Timer is a free download for Windows only.

Cool Timer [Harmony Hollow Software]

Steve