Farewell to the Multiple Monitor Madness
Many of us computer nerds believe that having multiple monitors is the key to unlocking ultimate productivity. After all, those studies commissioned by monitor manufacturers like Dell and NEC say it’s true, right? Well, let me tell you a little story about my own journey with the multiple-monitor setup.
A couple of years ago, I had this grand vision of becoming a true computing badass, surrounded by an array of screens displaying all the important information I could ever need. I had my email, social media feeds, Slack channels, and a dozen other windows spread across two, maybe even three monitors. I felt like I was living the dream – multitasking at its finest.
The Paradox of Choice
But you know what they say, “Too much of anything becomes its opposite.” As it turns out, that couldn’t be more true when it comes to multiple monitors. I quickly realized that having all those windows and feeds visible at once was actually the opposite of productive. Turns out, humans can only focus on one thing at a time. So why was I spending money to display multiple things simultaneously?
As Cory House points out, the issue with multiple monitors is that they often lead to continuously displaying potential distractions. Instead of being able to focus on the task at hand, I found myself constantly checking my email, social media, and other notifications that were just a quick glance away.
The Beauty of Minimalism
It wasn’t long before I made the decision to ditch the multiple-monitor setup and switch to a single, reasonably-sized 24-inch 4K monitor. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. With a single screen, my work – and only my work – is displayed front and center. Distractions stay out of sight and, more importantly, out of mind.
As Cory eloquently explains, both reading and writing benefit immensely from the focus that comes with having a single application displayed on the screen. No more trying to divide my attention between a document and a Twitter feed. Just me, my work, and pure, uninterrupted concentration.
The Power of Virtual Desktops
But wait, there’s more! If you think I’ve given up the flexibility of multiple screens, think again. Both Mac and Windows now support virtual desktops, which allow me to create a personalized, distraction-free workspace without the need for multiple physical monitors.
As the Reddit community discusses, virtual desktops are a game-changer for productivity. With a simple three-finger swipe, I can instantly switch between my browser, my code editor, and any other application I need, without ever having to turn my head or refocus my eyes.
Maximized Productivity, Minimized Distractions
The beauty of this setup is that it’s not just for my desk at home. As Cory mentions, I can take my 15-inch MacBook Pro with me anywhere – to coffee shops, libraries, public parks, even the beach – and maintain the same distraction-free workflow. No more rearranging windows every time I undock my machine. It’s a seamless, frictionless experience.
And let’s not forget the added benefits of using a 24-inch 4K monitor. As Cory points out, the high DPI reduces eye strain and fatigue, and the 24-inch size is just right for maximizing applications without constantly moving my head or eyes.
Treadmill Workstation: The Icing on the Cake
As if all of this wasn’t enough, I’ve even taken my productivity to the next level by incorporating a treadmill workstation into my setup. As Cory describes, walking on a treadmill keeps me focused, fit, and awake during the day, and it rolls away when I’m ready to sit down and relax.
Conclusion: Embrace the Minimalist Approach
In the end, my journey with multiple monitors has taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, less is more. By embracing a minimalist approach and focusing on a single, high-quality monitor, I’ve been able to eliminate distractions, improve my concentration, and boost my overall productivity.
So, if you’re a fellow computer enthusiast like me, I encourage you to consider setting up your own distraction-free, multi-desktop workflow. Trust me, your mind (and your boss) will thank you. Visit itfix.org.uk to learn more about how we can help you optimize your workspace for maximum productivity.
