Everybody Could Use a Little Self Control, or an App That Does It for You

Too often have I experienced the doubled-edged nature of the internet: it's a great tool, but also a great distraction. We all need to buckle down sometimes and get to work, and the insta-grat (yes) of the internet can be crippling. In comes SelfControl, a free and open-source application that blocks your own access to chosen websites for a designated amount of time. Hit the jump for the details.

It might seem ridiculous, and maybe it is, but the fact stands: we live in a time where self control is easily undermined, to the point that we might actually need a computer program called SelfControl to get it back. But hey, we don't always have that perfect getaway cabin waiting like Paul Thomas Anderson did.

Here's how SelfControl works:

1. You create a list of websites that you want to block. This is called your blacklist.
2. You can toggle your blacklist into a Whitelist, which is the reverse function, blocking all other websites that aren't on the approved list.
3. Set a timer for the length the block should apply (anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours).
4. Don't try to cheat -- restarting your computer won't lift the block!
5. Whatever you do, DO NOT block No Film School.com :)

It's that simple. Only do this if you really need to drop off from the face of the planet, which is important for writers. I find that when writing, removing distractions -- or more importantly the ability to be distracted -- is invaluable for getting work done. Strangely enough though, I'm writing this post to procrastinate on the screenplay I'm currently working on. Life is funny that way.

What tools do you use to eliminate distractions? Share your thoughts below about SelfControl or other helpful tools in the comments.

Link: SelfControl App