How to Unlock Productivity with Random Strangers

My On and Off Journey with FocusMate

Apr 22, 2024

Am I the only one struggling to stay productive amidst the cacophony of distractions?

Or are you dreading a project or to-do list item that needs a little focus time?

I used to check my email far too often and probably still do, but one way to zero in on a task is to work with an accountability buddy (sometimes called a body double).

In case you haven’t tried Focusmate, it works like this:

Sign up for an account and link your calendar on FocusMate’s aptly minimalist website.
Commit to a start time for a 25, 50, or 75-minute session
Focusmate assigns you a buddy from a pool of people signed up for that time

Now you simply show up to your online appointment as you would any video conference to meet your partner and spend 1-2 minutes reviewing your goals for the session.

After the time is up, you’ll hear a chime and can review how well you focused in on the task at hand.

If you enjoy FocusMate, you can do 3 sessions per week for free. If you want more, it’s only $5 per month

Does that sound revolutionary to you?

Me neither.

But wow, I gotta say it really works. But the question is why?

Here’s why I think working with a randomly selected internet stranger gives me superhero-like productivity:

Mutual Obligation

There is just something about scheduling a time with someone else that makes the commitment more serious. When I block out time on my calendar, I can be pretty squishy about it, allowing for minutes to slip here and there. But when someone else is depending on me showing up, I find it really easy to show up, even if I don’t feel like it. It’s scheduled, therefore I must go!

ADHD Helper

I first learned about FocusMate in an ADHD adult support group. They framed it as a way to help stimulate the big four brain chemicals (dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and adrenaline). It’s a healthy kind of pressure that makes even a mundane project feel more important.

FocusMate has a pretty in-depth article about the science of how and why it works.

Energy Synchronization

Working with someone else feels like a team effort. I mean why do we go to a Yoga class if we can just watch a video at home?

FOMO Be Gone

If I see someone else working, I know I’m not the only one missing out on the other things I’d like to do.

I guess we are both missing out on something, or not missing out on anything, whichever reframe works for you.

Humane (and Inspiring) Time Increments

Maybe you’ve heard of the Pomodoro timer method. Research shows that working in short sprints with breaks is healthy, but I often find that if I drop into my flow, I can work for a long time before coming up for air. That’s not always a good thing either. Personally, I find the 50-minute time block with a 10-minute break quite ideal. Time for bio break, a healthy snack, and ready for my next hour.

For the next couple of weeks, I’m using Focusmate to work on my audiobook version of Doubt Riding Shotgun. I’m 48% done as of today April 22, 2024.

BTW, I’m looking for beta listeners to my audiobook if you have a little time. Just let me know via a direct message or comment.

Here are projects I completed using FocusMate in the last two years:

Wrote my book Doubt Riding Shotgun doing three sessions per week
Recorded drums to this ambient music I created
Created a 130-slide course doing 7 slides per session
Created several blog posts (one per session, including this one)
Completed a nasty accounting project that I had been putting off (took three sessions)
Wrote 10+ client notes and practices (1-3 per session depending on complexity)

If you are still reading this and are nervous about trying FocusMate, I get it.

The concept of meeting internet strangers is pretty antithetical to me, too.

I encourage you to give it a try and let me know what you think.

What did you like or not like about Focusmate, and would you recommend it?

What are your productivity hacks?

BTW, I have no affiliation with the company. I just think they make a cool product and have been using it for a couple of years.

Hope to see you on Focusmate.