Methodology

Current gig: founder/freelance/front end developer
Location: Washington State
Current mobile devices: Dell XPS with Windows 10
Current computer: custom-built Windows clone with SSDs

One word that describes how I work: Focused.

What apps/software/tools can’t I live without?
WordPress; for Firefox: Firebug, FireFTP, Web Developer Toolbar.

What’s my workspace like?
A standing workstation in our refinished 200 sq. ft. garage that doubles as a media room, homebrewing operation, and motorcycle repair shop – complete with Marantz 2220B refurbished receiver and a ‘Midnight Dragon’ neon sign.

My desk includes dual Samsung LCD monitors, and a Microsoft Natural Keyboard.

What do I listen to while I work?
If I’m doing web production – pretty much anything: blues, country, electronica, hip hop, R&B, rock, world. Sometimes I’ll wear noise-cancelling headphones.

What’s my best-time saving trick?
Besides no commute and dual monitors? In-browser front end development with Firebug.

What’s my favorite to-do list manager?
Outlook Business Contact Manager and Windows Sticky Notes.

What gadget can’t I work without?
Quality landline with a headset.

What everyday thing am I better at than anyone else?
Napping. I can nap anywhere, anytime in less than 20 minutes.

What’s my sleep routine like?
I always get at least 8 hours of sleep

Am I an introvert or an extrovert?
Myers Briggs claims I’m an ENTJ, but social events can exhaust me. And I’m not a big fan of social media, which I find divisive.

What’s the best advice I’ve ever received?
My IU management professor, Dr. Joe Pica, emphasized the YMCA’s principles: to be successful in life – develop a healthy spirit, mind and body.

Lifehacker’s weekly How I Work series –  by Tessa Miller – asks heroes, experts, brilliant, and flat-out productive people to share their shortcuts, workspaces, routines, and more. I hacked this writeup myself.