Minor, cheaper hack that gets part of this same effect:
Stick an image of eyes looking at you next to your desktop (kid you not, there are studies on the impact this has on ethical behaviour; if you don’t want it to look as ridiculous as just a picture of two eyes, pick a picture of a person who you admire and who has a strong work ethic, looking at you sternly, with zoom in on the eyes)
and place a mirror near you so you see your reflection. (Bonus: Helps you notice when you are slouching.) I hate seeing myself laze around. It completely clashes with my self-image.
I’ve also been meeting a lot with colleagues for virtual coworking sessions. You meet up at a specific time (no delaying), you tell the person what you goal is today, why it is the most important goal, and how you intend to approach it (forcing you to make that explicit yourself), you make them tell you also, you set a pomodoro (to take regular breaks together), and then mute the keyboard so you can type, but leave the camera on. Leave the zoom window in a corner of your desktop or second screen. Watch your colleague being productive, and seeing you if you are not. Works surprisingly well. Also, does not cost a penny and helps the other person.
Minor, cheaper hack that gets part of this same effect:
Stick an image of eyes looking at you next to your desktop (kid you not, there are studies on the impact this has on ethical behaviour; if you don’t want it to look as ridiculous as just a picture of two eyes, pick a picture of a person who you admire and who has a strong work ethic, looking at you sternly, with zoom in on the eyes)
and place a mirror near you so you see your reflection. (Bonus: Helps you notice when you are slouching.) I hate seeing myself laze around. It completely clashes with my self-image.
I’ve also been meeting a lot with colleagues for virtual coworking sessions. You meet up at a specific time (no delaying), you tell the person what you goal is today, why it is the most important goal, and how you intend to approach it (forcing you to make that explicit yourself), you make them tell you also, you set a pomodoro (to take regular breaks together), and then mute the keyboard so you can type, but leave the camera on. Leave the zoom window in a corner of your desktop or second screen. Watch your colleague being productive, and seeing you if you are not. Works surprisingly well. Also, does not cost a penny and helps the other person.