Tech Productivity Issue #59 (The Impact of Deactivating Facebook)

Issue #59 (The Impact of Deactivating Facebook) 03/30/20

Probably one of the simplest things that can make you a more productive worker is to increase your typing speed. Over the years, I've increased my speed a modest amount. I don't think I'll ever be a superfast typist; I peak at about 50-60 WPM.

But if you are interested in finding ways to increase your typing speed, you might enjoy a Hacker News thread where a reader asks that very question.

Learning to type faster is one way to increase productivity.

The thread offers some suggestions for online tools to use, but there's also some discussion about reasons why you might want to type faster, which might help a person decide how they might go about this.

I like the suggestion from one user:

"Don't aim for speed! Aim for typing without errors and – more importantly – a constant rhythm."

Another reader says:

"I got a lot better and faster at typing when I switched to a das keyboard without key labels. It forced me to learn and not rely on looking down at the keys ... also it stops noobs from using your box."

I'm not convinced that last suggestion is for everyone, but it's something to consider, and I had to include that for the final line, which is pretty funny.

Now on to this week's hand-picked productivity links!

Tools & Apps

Zotero - Your personal research assistant. A free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share research.

Confetti - A platform for celebrating daily progress towards your goals. Master a productive routine and eliminate bad habits in one easy-to-use habit tracker for daily goals.

Hallway - This is timely. While working from home, schedule breaks to talk with your co-workers. Join a 10-minute video chat room that feels just like a hallway conversation.

Slapdash - Mac app or Chrome extension that brings all your apps together. Find anything across all your apps, create dynamic, shareable spaces, and more.

SocialVault - Decentralized, encrypted storage and browser for your Facebook data, useful if you plan to delete Facebook but still want your posts, pics, etc.

Have Happier, More Productive Video Meetings - Team.video makes it easier and faster for remote teams to work together by offering user friendly video meetings with agendas, collaborative notes, and emoji responses. No download required and it’s free to use. promoted

Articles & Resources

Cultivate the Skill of Undivided Attention, or “Deep Work” - Josh Thompson proposes that in order to acquire a deeper understanding of your craft, this requires significant time spent in a state of intentional deep work.

78 Experts Share Their Remote Working Tips - Far too much here to read all of it, but even just skimming this one should give you some inspiration.

Do whatever you can't stop thinking about - The suggestion here is to avoid doing stuff that you'll later look back on and regret, and focus on the stuff that satisfies you.

Top Economists Study What Happens When You Stop Using Facebook - Based on a paper titled that presents the results of one of the largest randomized trials ever conducted to directly measure the personal impact of deactivating Facebook.

What Kind of Tired Are You? - Discusses many of the different factors that might make you feel like taking a nap in the afternoon.

Suggestions?

Have a suggestion for a productivity-related tool, article, or other resource? Send me a direct message via X (@LouisLazaris) and I’ll consider including it in a future issue.

Stay productive!

Louis
techproductivity.co
@LouisLazaris

Not subscribed? Visit techproductivity.co to join today.