![]() If you try having your desktop do too much, it won’t be able to help you out. Once you see it working, put more into it.ĭon’t overlay so much that you recreate the cluttered desktop you worked so hard to clear off! Our brains start shutting down from information overload when we see clutter. If you’re considering trying this out, pick whichever one looks easier to try. For example, I’ll use OmniGraffle to create a background area with a blur, then put stickies or GeekTool output on top of it. ![]() You don’t want to go this route if you’re going to change your overlays with any degree of frequency, but you can get some beautiful results this way. If you don’t need the dynamic updates that GeekTool lets you do, you can also create a desktop image that has the overlay baked in. You’ll need to go this route if you want to overlay your task list, for example. You can add, remove, or tweak your overlay elements at any time, or quit the app to get them out of the way. GeekTool is a utility that will let you overlay your desktop with static text, the output of a script, or an image. ![]() There are two ways you can overlay content on your desktop: with a dynamic overlay that’s easily updated or a static overlay that you don’t need to fiddle with. This gives you a not-so-subtle cue that you should spend your time in one space, not the other. Give your administrative desktop an ugly background (try a solid red). Give your creative desktop a beautiful background picture that you will enjoy seeing. Put the apps for low- and high-value tasks in separate desktop spaces. You can do the same thing by using multiple desktops on your Mac. When you go to a particular location, it sends a signal to your brain that it’s time to engage in that activity. In Deep Work, Cal Newport recommends setting up different places where you can focus on different tasks. Multiple desktops for different kinds of work. Are you working on a goal with a numerically measurable progress, like getting out of debt? Create an image with a progress thermometer and keep it where you can regularly see it and be inspired by how far you’ve already come. In addition to text, you can overlay images to bring part of your vision board to your daily routine. Overlay your personal mission statement and active goals on your desktop background. Instead of (or in addition to) your daily schedule, why not zoom out a few levels and remind yourself of the direction you’re heading. As you progress tasks, just move that sticky note to the right. Then use the stickies app to track tasks. Turn your desktop into a kanban board by overlaying the stages you need, either with GeekTool or an image editor (I used OmniGraffle). A kanban board is a visual representation of the status of tasks. With GeekTool, Mindful or DateLine, and a little scripting, you can put your schedule on your desktop. Where you need to be and what you need to do are two lists that should be readily accessible, but not in your face. Here are five ideas for what you can overlay on your desktop: Without a bunch of files in the way, you can hack your desktop into an ever-available productivity tool. At any time, you can show your desktop with a keystroke (see the Mission Control settings in System Preferences) or a gesture (Trackpad settings). Once it’s clear, that presents you with an opportunity. You should keep it free of clutter so it doesn’t distract you while you work. Like the top of your desk, your desktop is a space to work. Your computer’s desktop is always there, a constant backdrop for your digital productivity. ![]()
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