Don't Delay

Understanding procrastination and how to achieve our goals.

Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D. is an associate professor of psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, where he specializes in the study of procrastination. See full bio

April 3, 2009, Procrastination

Procrastination killer

An iPhone application for procrastinators

Procrastination killer app screen shot

Can your iPhone help you procrastinate less?

I've owned a Mac since 1985, many of them. I'm part of that cult I suppose. I even owned a Newton. So, when the iPhone 3G was released, I didn't hesitate. I love it. In addition to the basic built-in functionality, I take advantage of key third-party applications or "apps." One of my favorites is WunderRadio. It turns my iPhone into an international Internet radio receiver. I could go on, but I won't.

Of course, I couldn't resist testing out this new app for the iPhone - Procrastination Killer. At 99 cents, I was willing to check it out. (Note: You can also put it on a Windows desktop for free.

The app basics
The rationale behind the app is to help you make use of short bursts of work and rest. It's basically a timer. The default setting is for 10 minutes of work with a 2-minute rest. You can adjust this in the settings from 1 - 60 minutes of work and 1 - 15 minutes of break time. When you save your settings and hit "Play", up pops an alert that says "Alert! - Start Working!" Click "Ok" to close this pop-up window and that starts the timer.

After the prescribed amount of work time has passed, the program provides a brief audible alert and another pop-up window appears saying "Alert! Stop working!" Cute.

Here's a bug: Note that you'll have to adjust your iPhone default sleep setting to be longer than your work-rest schedule, or your iPhone will shut off and the timer stops too. Given this, it may be best to use DC power when you're using this app.

The question is, should you use it all? Is it worth it?
If it works for you, absolutely, use it. Unfortunately, I think it's a gimmick. While I'm all for "just getting started" which is the philosophy behind this program, you have the tools around you right now to implement this strategy. Clocks surround us! Even the iPhone has a built in count-down timer if you really want to use this gadget for the task.

Save the 99 cents and stop fooling yourself. In fact, your 2 minute break is up now. Shut your Web browser and get back to work! ☺