Emergent Task Timer 2009 Updates
See where your time is going so you stay focused
The Emergent Task Timer (or ETT) is a Daily Task Focusing Sheet that works in conjunction with a simple 15-minute timer. Every time the timer goes off, you take a note of what you happen to be doing, and fill in a bubble marking the time. This simple action allows you to build a picture of how you spend your time during the day. The results are often shocking. Like all the Printable CEO™ forms, it's designed to provide maximum gain for minimum input.
Over the years, this form seems to be popular with people working in reactionary jobs (tech support, for example) and students who are trying to stay focused. The use of the 15-minute timer is useful for "pacing" the day; when it goes off, you'll know if you've been on task or off task. Even if you don't note a bubble for every single 15-minute interval, you can often infer how your day has been going from the overall pattern that has built. Some people use it as a simple daily time tracker for billable work. Others have used it to show their bosses that their time gets frittered away by useless meetings.
The 2009 edition is pretty much the same as last year's. If you're using the form to track time, be sure to use the Power User's version; there's a space at the right side of the form to enter in the total amount of time you've spent.
Download 2009 Emergent Task Timing Printable Forms
- The Standard Emergent Task Timer Form (portrait mode)
- The Wide Version (landscape mode)
- The Wide Version w/ 5 minute Intervals (landscape, divider lines in each bubble)
- The Power User Version (landscape, no instructions, total time field on right)
If you are looking for a 15-minute timer, you might try using the ancient online prototype of the Emergent Task Timer. It is not completely functional, but you can certainly use it to try the concept out. Sean Johnson has also created a web app based on the ETT design which is pretty slick. Check it out!
For more information about Emergent Task Timing, the original post describes each design feature in greater detail. Enjoy!
