So far I have talked about using screen masking to block out distractions and using fullscreen writing programs that help to do the same thing. Both are excellent ways to keep your computing process streamlined. Yet another way to do this is to use multiple virtual desktops. Apples come with a built-in program called Spaces that allows you to do just that, and for Windows take a look at VirtuaWin.

The benefits to using multiple desktops are:

• Keeps you from minimizing and restoring windows
• Each desktop becomes oriented for a specific task
• You don't see windows you don't need

Making it Work

I recommend starting with no more desktops than 4 and assigning different programs to run on each desktop (see your software manual for directions on this). I break my 4 desktops down as follows:

• Desktop 1: Writing / Spreadsheets
• Desktop 2: Email / Task Management / Calendaring
• Desktop 3: Media / Photos / iTunes
• Desktop 4: Internet / Twitter

After a few days it becomes a habit to know which desktop is used for which activity. An example of the benefit of this system is that when I am on Desktop #1, I am not distracted by new emails, or Twitter. Likewise with each of the other desktops, I am able to focus on the task at hand.

Better than Minimizing

Many people spend all day minimizing and restoring programs; this wastes time and leads to distraction. With this system, less time is lost: You can flip from one desktop to the next with a keystroke.

Realizing the Gain

Setting up virtual desktops does not ensure that you will become more productive and less distracted. Actually using them for specific tasks is where you are going to realize the gain in productivity. Beware that it takes time to get used to this, but if you truly put in the effort of learning this system, you will reap the rewards that it has to offer in no time.

Related posts:

• Concentrate: Eliminate Distractions
• Eliminating Distractions in Your Environment
• Fullscreen Writing
• Maximum Motivation
• Why Dropbox Rocks