Burstling

Task managers are great giving you a strategic view of everything you need to get done. When it comes to coaxing you into action, though, most systems leave you in the lurch. Sometimes, despite all that organization, laziness strikes.

Burstling steps in to crack the whip. Start with a two minute break to screw off before getting down to business. Burstling then times you for ten minutes while you make a dent in one of your tasks. After a burst of productive activity, it’s break time again. The cycle continues until you finish your current task — then you’re rewarded with an immediate break before moving to the next item on your list.

Maybe “lazy” is a harsh word. Your procrastination just gets the better of you sometimes. It’s okay. It happens to all of us.

The truth is, taking a breather here and there to let your mind wander is good for your brain and good for your work. Creating structure around your breaks keeps your overall productivity high without burning you out.

As you get to know Burstling, you can change your burst and break lengths to better suit your working style.

I can’t take credit for the idea. Thanks go to Merlin Mann and other smart people. No one else could be arsed to build a damn app around it, though, so here I am.