Is email a distraction? SelfControl is an OS X application which blocks access to incoming and/or outgoing mail servers and websites for a predetermined period of time. For example, you could block access to your email, facebook, and twitter for 90 minutes, but still have access to the rest of the web. Once started, it can not be undone by the application, by deleting the application, or by restarting the computer – you must wait for the timer to run out.
Created while at Eyebeam Center for Art and Technology. Thanks to Charlie Stigler for developing the application.
Download SelfControl
Download SelfControl 1.3 – (released September 1, 2010) includes bug fixes, 24 hour blocking, ability to change total time and time intervals, and Jay Williams’ UI improvements. Works on OS X 10.5 and up (for 10.4, use an earlier version.)
Self Control is Free Software
SelfControl is Free Software under the GPL. Feel free to make improvements, linux ports, etc. The sourcecode and wiki are on Github, and there is a ticket system too.
Free Software means you are free to use, modify, and redistribute the application and the source code.
If you have trouble, try the FAQ. If you want a feature or find a bug – then you are free to fix it, or hire someone to do so, because the sourcecode is free for you to use and modify. (Therefor, please don’t ask me to “make a iPhone/Windows/Commodore64 version” or to add some feature for fix a bug you are confident is absolutely necessary. Do it yourself! Or hire someone! I am not a magical person, you have powers too.)
Tweak SelfControl
Karl James Pestka wrote an AppleScript to automate SelfControl. Information on it is on macosxhints.com.
Change the maximum block length and interval times by using these instructions.
Help port SelfControl!
To Linux: After a conversation on metafilter, a coder named zangargoyle stepped up and started on SelfControl for Linux. Visit zengargoyle’s SelfControl page, test out the software, submit a bug or a patch…
To Windows: Parker Kuivila has created SelfRestraint, an open source version of SelfControl for Windows. The code is on github as well.
Related Software & Projects
Related projects you might enjoy. Mostly made by other people, but may be of interest.
- Freedom – block all internet access for set periods of time. by Fred Stutzman – Free but not open source.
- ColdTurkey – blocks access to distracting sites – for Windows OS
- Spirited Away – automatically hides windows you’re not using anymore. by Drikin – Free but not open source.
- Vitamin-R hides applications, uses a timer, encourages goal setting and focus. Free to try, then costs, and not open-source.
- Concentrate blocks sites, allows sites, launches and quits apps, and more (but you can disable it) by Rocket Software. Free to try, then costs, and not open source.
- RescueTime scheduled, timetracker, etc. Free plan, but full features are $/mo. Not open source.
- FlexTime – a versatile timer for repetitive activities
- Oh, and Add-Art – a web browser plugin that replaces advertising with art. (I worked on this too)
Why did you make this?
Because I needed it, same as you. Charlie Stigler was kind enough to code it based on my sketches for the handsome fee of $125 (I think he charges more now). And now we’re giving it away (and the code too) because we want it to be useful. You can read a little article about Charlie and SelfControl here.
I am an artist, and as anyone who creates things knows; the time you can block out to get focused work done is invaluable. Hopefully this will help you focus on whatever you need to do, from creating that project, writing your novel, studying for your exams, or whatever you want to do. Good luck.
Also, I am an artist who happens to have a broad set of skills, I am not a programmer for hire. See “SelfControl is Free Software” above.
P.S. Before you eliminate procrastination from your life, maybe have a look around my site first?
Help out
Has SelfControl been helpful to you? Would you like to see a certain feature implemented? If you met us in person, would you buy us a drink? If you can’t help code, we wont turn down your money.
