How to Focus, Solved
A clear, science-backed breakdown of why focus collapses and how to rebuild it.
YouTube VideoFocusWeb, Cross-PlatformFree
4.7Visit
Website
Focusmate
Body doubling with a stranger who keeps you honest.
Day 43 since launch · Launched 25 August 2026
Made by Shushant LakhyaniKnow about Shushant Lakhyani hereGet all my visual guides hereSee what I can build for youAI+Tech+No-Code+Online Business Mini GuidesJoin the newsletter
Made by Shushant LakhyaniKnow about Shushant Lakhyani hereGet all my visual guides hereSee what I can build for youAI+Tech+No-Code+Online Business Mini GuidesJoin the newsletterBuilt with love by Shushant Lakhyani. Building bestproductivityresources.com
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What is Focusmate?
Focusmate pairs you with another person for a silent 25, 50 or 75 minute video session where you both state your goal, work, and report back at the end. It is a social commitment device rather than an app feature, and it works remarkably well for tasks you keep avoiding.
Pros
- Extremely effective for procrastination
- Free tier covers a few sessions each week
- No setup or configuration
Cons
- Requires booking sessions in advance
- Video with a stranger is not for everyone
Who should use Focusmate
People who work alone and stall without external accountability.
Who may not need it
Anyone already working alongside colleagues all day.
Focusmate alternatives
Similar resources to Focusmate, picked from the directory.
Cal Newport's Study Hacks Blog
Long-running writing on focus and the deep life.
BlogDeep WorkWebFree
4.6Visit
How to Rewire Your Brain to Enjoy Discipline
Dopamine, boredom and why discipline feels harder than it should.
YouTube VideoHabit BuildingWeb, Cross-PlatformFree
4.6Visit
Deep Questions Podcast
Cal Newport answers listener questions on focus and work.
PodcastDeep WorkWeb, iOSFree
4.5Visit
Rize
Automatic time tracking that shows where the day really went.
Desktop AppTime ManagementmacOS, WindowsPaid but Affordable
4.5Visit
Dan Koe on X
A post from Dan Koe on focused, self-directed creative work.
OtherFocusWebFree
4.4Visit
Free alternatives to Focusmate
Free resources that cover similar ground.
Founder.page
Discover and follow the best founders on 𝕏 and see what they're building.
WebsitePersonal ProductivityWebFree
4.7Visit
Orb
Interactive 3D orb experiment for focus, breathing and visual calm.
WebsiteFocusWebFree
4.3Visit
Playlists
Playlists made by designers for designers.
WebsiteFocusWebFree
4.3Visit
Learning How to Learn
The most popular free course on how your brain learns.
CourseLearningWeb, Cross-PlatformFree
4.7Visit
hop
Free, open-source menu bar toolkit for macOS with eighteen tools in one panel.
Mac AppPersonal ProductivitymacOSFree
4.5Visit
Loop Habit Tracker
Simple, beautiful, and powerful habit tracking.
Android AppHabit BuildingAndroidFree
4.5Visit
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