# Choosing a Timer By default, Creative Command uses the **Engagement Timer**, which pauses the timer if you’re not actively engaged in work. Unlike most timers, which keep counting even when you’re idle, the Engagement Timer pauses after a assigned duration of inactivity. For example, if you start a 30-minute session and walk away from your keyboard, the timer will pause automatically, and resumes the second you get back to work. This helps ensure your session time accurately reflects the real effort, not just the passage of time. ![[CleanShot 2026-07-16 at [email protected]]] ## Interval Setting the interval establishes a threshold for inactivity. For this example, if you choose 10 seconds for the Interval, the timer will pause if there's no activity for 10 seconds. ## Activity You can enable only the inputs that reflect your workflow. For instance, during a writing session, you may choose to enable only **Keyboard presses** so that the timer measures actual writing time, avoiding passive activities such as scrolling or rearranging text. > [!info] Choose which actions keep the timer running. > | Activity | Description | | --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | | Key presses | Whenever you press a key. | | Mouse/Trackpad clicks | Whenever you press the left mouse button or trackpad. | | Pointer movement | Whenever you move the pointer. | | Scroll wheel movement | Whenever you use the scroll wheel. | --- ## Assigning an Idle Alert Assigning an idle alert is an excellent way to stay focused. Imagine it as a gentle reminder, saying, “Hey, the timer has paused. It’s time to resume work.” A visual cue appears when the timer pauses due to inactivity. ![[CleanShot 2026-07-16 at [email protected]]] ### Blur If the timer pauses, there's a good chance you're overthinking your work. If you're a writer who spends excessive time scrutinizing your own text, the Blur option is particularly effective. It encourages a "write now, edit later" mindset. ![[CleanShot 2026-07-16 at [email protected]]] ### Border A subtle reminder that the timer has paused. Customize this by selecting your preferred border color. ![[CleanShot 2026-07-16 at [email protected]]] ### Tint The opposite of subtle. Impossible to ignore. Maybe even annoying, but highly effective. Customize this by selecting your preferred tint color and opacity. ![[CleanShot 2026-07-16 at [email protected]]] --- ## How the Engagement Timer Helps You Focus Most focus apps track time passively. You start a timer, and it runs until it ends, regardless of whether you’re actually working. The **Engagement Timer** only tracks active time. If you’re idle or stop interacting, the timer pauses. ##### Gamify Your Focus Progress is tied to effort, not time, which naturally gamifies your focus. To access your favorite apps or take a break to scroll through social media, you must put in the work first. You don’t earn the reward by simply waiting; you earn it by actively engaging. This approach differs from most focus apps, where you can let the timer run out without taking any action and still complete your session. With the Engagement Timer, there are no shortcuts, only genuine effort can conclude your session. ##### Less Overthinking, More Doing The hardest part of any creative project is getting started. We spend a lot of time thinking about what we are going to make; planning, procrastinating, and second-guessing, without actually creating anything. The Engagement Timer helps shift that energy by encouraging movement over hesitation and action over analysis. When the timer pauses due to inactivity, it trains you to step out of your head and engage with the process. You stop obsessing over getting everything perfect and begin focusing on simply getting your ideas down. You learn that clarity comes through doing, not waiting for the perfect idea to strike. The outcome? Less anxiety, more output, and a creative process that feels more fulfilling. --- ## **Start Small** We recommend beginning with shorter sessions when using the Engagement Timer. Here’s why: **It only counts active time.** Unlike a standard timer, idle moments pause the clock. Consequently, a 60-minute session may take longer if your workflow includes natural pauses or moments of inactivity. **It takes time to adjust.** Starting with shorter sessions allows you to get accustomed to this more precise tracking method and helps you understand your natural rhythms. **It builds real momentum.** Beginning with smaller goals promotes consistency and helps you establish habits that feel productive rather than overwhelming.