1 week without clocks
A week ago, I posted about giving up a few things that cause negativity in my life in one way or another.
As I mentioned, clocks were a real source of anxiety for me because I spend 8-9 hours a day at my desk, so I spent a lot of time looking at them and feeling like time wasn’t passing. To pay a little less attention to the clock and a little more to getting things done, I removed the clocks from both of my computer desktops and set up an elaborate network of iPhone alarms¹ in their place.
One week into it, I am hooked. Despite having a few slow work days that would usually drag by - particularly the several hours between 3pm and 4pm - I have been able to stay focused on work. While my lunch alarm can sometimes feel like it takes a little too long because my body tells me it’s time to eat before it goes off, my 5pm alarm surprises me on most days. It seems to have made me more effective with my time, but more importantly to to me it has improved my outlook on my workday.
As a next step, I may try to adopt this as a complete lifestyle change. Away from my desk, clocks aren’t really a source of anxiety; I just don’t see the need for clock-watching in my daily life anymore. My TV shows are delivered and stored after they air, my phone alerts me when any sporting events I might want to see are starting, and aside from getting to sleep at a reasonable hour to wake up for my job, not much in my life is defined by a specific time. Maybe a “no more coffee” alarm at 9pm?
¹ Two. I have two alarms.
