imho; if he's talking about the desk in the picture, its positioned wrong, he needs to stare a wall all the time he is behind the desk.
Things I've quit doing at my desk
81–90 of 97 posts
Re: Things I've quit doing at my desk
#82I would add "Eating" to the list. I eat at my desk all the time, and I really need to stop. When I eat at my desk, I'm generally eating things that aren't that healthy to begin with, snacking unnecessarily, and/or eating too quickly, and doing it in some misguided notion that I'm able to work and eat at the same time. I'm not actually productive at times like that, it just lets me deal with some illogical guilt I fee…
I have always disliked this practice; in myself and others. Too often people think they're being more efficient, but in reality they're NOT working while eating, but using this time to do non-work that should be done elsewhere to begin with. (And I'm waiting for the downvotes by the same people who think, "Yeah, I know it says not everyone can multitask, but I'M not in that group...".)
Also, it smells. I know people don't think it does, or that it's not objectionable, but it's just another sensory input for everyone around them. People wouldn't give a second thought to asking me to turn my radio down; why should I not ask them to keep their smelly heated-over Lean Cuisine in the eating areas?
Re: Things I've quit doing at my desk
#83I would add "Eating" to the list. I eat at my desk all the time, and I really need to stop. When I eat at my desk, I'm generally eating things that aren't that healthy to begin with, snacking unnecessarily, and/or eating too quickly, and doing it in some misguided notion that I'm able to work and eat at the same time. I'm not actually productive at times like that, it just lets me deal with some illogical guilt I fee…
I have always disliked this practice; in myself and others. Too often people think they're being more efficient, but in reality they're NOT working while eating, but using this time to do non-work that should be done elsewhere to begin with. (And I'm waiting for the downvotes by the same people who think, "Yeah, I know it says not everyone can multitask, but I'M not in that group...".) Also, it smells. I know people…
I also would like to add that hygiene may become a problem, to see cockroaches on your desk isn't a pleasant sight.
Re: Things I've quit doing at my desk
#84I would add "Eating" to the list. I eat at my desk all the time, and I really need to stop. When I eat at my desk, I'm generally eating things that aren't that healthy to begin with, snacking unnecessarily, and/or eating too quickly, and doing it in some misguided notion that I'm able to work and eat at the same time. I'm not actually productive at times like that, it just lets me deal with some illogical guilt I fee…
Often when I think I'm hungry, I'm actually thirsty. A glass of warmed water (surprisingly) quashes the need to snack. Cold water is no good. Does anyone know why that is?
Not sure why is that, but I think it temporarily fills your stomach and makes it 'relax'. In my experience the same meal if hot makes me feel much more full.
I've heard that fast food joints intentionally try to serve the coldest possible drinks to make patrons feel they are hungry for another burger.
Re: Things I've quit doing at my desk
#85I've been experimenting with getting away from my desk at home more often and taking breaks to play games and such. I use RescueTime to track what I end up doing and how much I end up working and if anything my productivity has only increased.
It's not a perfect measurement but it helps me to realize its not at all expensive to unchain myself from my desk.
Re: Things I've quit doing at my desk
#86I quit working at my desk. It's uncomfortable (despite considerable investment), takes a lot of space, has terrible lighting, is too hot or too cold and is eerily quiet. It's quite depressing really. I tend to sit in the garden when it's not raining - good lighting, relaxing ambient noise and great air (which is really important). Plus you can get up and walk around regularly and focus on stuff that isn't right in fr…
This is great! I think we need to keep exploring new models for how people get their best work done. This guy built a desk in a tree:
http://variationsonnormal.com/2011/09/15/tree-branch-work-de...
Re: Things I've quit doing at my desk
#87I've been experimenting with getting away from my desk at home more often and taking breaks to play games and such. I use RescueTime to track what I end up doing and how much I end up working and if anything my productivity has only increased. It's not a perfect measurement but it helps me to realize its not at all expensive to unchain myself from my desk.
Exactly. I think we need to experiment and see where we're actually productive.
Too many times we "lie" to ourselves, and think that if we're at our desk, we're working (and being productive).
Re: Things I've quit doing at my desk
#88I quit working at my desk. It's uncomfortable (despite considerable investment), takes a lot of space, has terrible lighting, is too hot or too cold and is eerily quiet. It's quite depressing really. I tend to sit in the garden when it's not raining - good lighting, relaxing ambient noise and great air (which is really important). Plus you can get up and walk around regularly and focus on stuff that isn't right in fr…
This is great! I think we need to keep exploring new models for how people get their best work done. This guy built a desk in a tree: http://variationsonnormal.com/2011/09/15/tree-branch-work-de...
That's fantastic - thanks for posting this.
I used to camp in my local woodland as teenager, sometimes 80+ days a year. Perhaps I should go and work there as well (seeing as there's a massive great big 3G mast in the middle of my local woods now).
Re: Things I've quit doing at my desk
#89I like the ideas put forth in the article, thanks for the write-up. For me, it's really sometimes just finding what works best for the situation I'm in. I've found that sometimes the solitude of a library study desk can be the best place to get work done. At other times, sitting in a busy area (a cafe, a park, even public transit) can be invigorating and creates enough background as to allow me to focus more. The recliner in my living room has seen more than its fair share of use while sitting at my laptop typing away.
There are times when my mind races and I can't focus. I turn the lights off, close the shades and the only light and thereby focus becomes the monitor.
I look at this article and others that offer advice on finding that working place for yourself, or that motivation to ignore distractions and I see them more as tools than as rules. A man with a well supplied toolbox is more likely to find the one he needs when the time comes.
Re: Things I've quit doing at my desk
#90You don't use a mouse?
Are you referring to the photo on my post? The photo is a little bit of a lie: I'd just moved into this office, and my desk is not normally that minimalist. ;) I do use a mouse. And normally my laptop is elevated on a box, with a keyboard in front. I also have a external monitor that's normally beside it.
Yes, I was referring to the photo. Glad to hear I'm not crazy for still using a regular old keyboard and mouse.