By default, Creative Command uses the **Engagement Timer**, which only tracks time while you’re actively working. If you prefer a standard countdown that runs continuously, toggle the Engagement Timer **off**. Unlike most timers, which keep counting even when you’re idle, the Engagement Timer pauses the moment you stop engaging. For example, if you start a 30-minute session and walk away from your keyboard, the timer will pause automatically. It 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. ![[EnagagementTimer.png]] #### **Inactivity Interval** You can customize what is considered "engagement" and the duration the system waits before pausing. Set the time Creative Command should wait after detecting inactivity before pausing the timer. _Example: If set to_ **_10 seconds_**_, the timer pauses after 10 seconds of no activity._ #### **What Counts as Engagement** Choose which actions should count toward active work: - **Keyboard input:** Counts key presses as engagement. - **Mouse click:** Counts mouse or trackpad clicks. - **Mouse movement:** Counts cursor movement. - **Scroll wheel:** Counts scrolling as activity. > [!Tip] >You can enable only the inputs that reflect your workflow. For instance, during a writing session, you may choose to enable only **Keyboard input** so that the timer measures actual writing time, avoiding passive activities such as scrolling or rearranging text. --- --- ## How the Engagement Timer Helps You Focus The Engagement Timer isn’t just a tool. It’s a shift in mindset. It's a timer that makes time count. 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. ##### Prioritize What Matters Most The Engagement Timer helps you focus on your most important work. You can set up sessions so that key tasks must be completed before you can access any other tasks—no skipping ahead. This feature eliminates the temptation to bypass the system and ensures that your most critical tasks are completed first. This structure builds momentum, allowing you to finish strong instead of fizzling out. ##### Less Overthinking, More Doing **Create with your hands, not just your mind.** The hardest part of any creative project is often getting started. We spend a lot of time thinking about what we are going to make—planning, plotting, 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 runs only while you’re working, 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 to trust that clarity comes through doing, rather than 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.