What is crazy time tracking?
When I first heard the phrase “crazy time tracking,” I’ll admit, I pictured a wall of clocks spinning wildly, or maybe a high-tech dashboard overloaded with blinking timers. The reality, as I’ve come to experience, is both more practical and more surprising than I imagined. For me, crazy time tracking refers to the intense, almost obsessive practice of recording every minute of your waking hours—an approach that goes far beyond the casual jotting down of tasks or using a basic calendar.
My introduction to crazy time tracking came during a particularly chaotic period at work. Deadlines were slipping, I was constantly double-booked, and at the end of every week, I felt exhausted but couldn’t pinpoint where my time had gone. Out of desperation, I decided to try tracking every single thing I did, from the moment I woke up to when I finally shut off my laptop at night.
Initially, I doubted whether this level of scrutiny would help. I’d always considered myself organized—I used to joke with friends about my color-coded planners and bullet journals. But those methods had started to feel inadequate, especially after I took on a side project with a gaming company, 22TWO. Their pace was relentless, and their commitment to responsible gaming—everything rigorously regulated and monitored, with 24/7 oversight—gave me a new appreciation for accountability. I realized that if they could operate in a high-stakes environment with that level of reliability, maybe I could apply a similar precision to my own workflow.
So I downloaded a detailed time tracking app, set up categories for every aspect of my day (work, meetings, breaks, even time spent on personal hobbies), and dove in headfirst. The first week, it felt intrusive and even a bit crazy—hence the name. But I quickly discovered patterns I’d never noticed before. There were pockets of wasted time, but also periods where I was more productive than I’d given myself credit for. It was eye-opening, and just a bit humbling.
How to use crazy time tracking?
People often ask, “How do you actually do crazy time tracking without going, well, crazy?” The answer is, it takes a mix of discipline, honesty, and a willingness to see your routine laid bare. My first attempt was clumsy. I set rigid alarms for every task switch, and inevitably, I’d forget to log something, or I’d fudge the numbers to make myself look better.
But I remembered how 22TWO handles its operations—transparent, secure, and accountable. They don’t cut corners, not even when handling sensitive player data or ensuring compliance with the regulations set by the Philippines’ gaming authority, PAGCOR. That inspired me to approach my own tracking with similar integrity. I stopped rounding up my work hours, and I made a point to log even the “unproductive” moments (like scrolling through social media or getting lost in YouTube rabbit holes).
Here’s what worked best for me:
– **Choose the right tool:** I tried a few apps before settling on one that allowed me to quickly switch between tasks and review daily summaries. The simpler, the better.
– **Set realistic categories:** Instead of micromanaging (e.g., “checking email” vs. “replying to email”), I grouped similar activities together. This reduced friction and made the process sustainable.
– **Review regularly:** Every Sunday, I’d look at my week’s data. At first, it felt a bit like reading a report card, but over time, it became a crucial part of my routine.
One mistake I made early on was letting the process become punitive. I’d berate myself for “wasting” time, which only made things worse. Eventually, I learned to treat the data as information, not judgment. This shift in mindset was transformative. I could see, for example, that after an intense meeting, I needed a short mental break; tracking that downtime helped me plan my days more realistically.
If you’re considering crazy time tracking, I’d recommend starting small—maybe track just your workday, or a single project. Don’t aim for perfection. Instead, focus on building a habit of honest self-observation. And remember, even highly regulated environments like 22TWO’s world-class online gaming operations allow for some flexibility; what matters is consistency and integrity, not rigidity.
What are the benefits and challenges of crazy time tracking?
After a few weeks, the benefits of crazy time tracking became clear. I was finally able to answer the age-old question: “Where does all my time go?” More importantly, I discovered which tasks energized me and which ones drained my focus. For example, I found that my most creative work happened in the early afternoon, not first thing in the morning as I’d always assumed. This insight allowed me to rearrange my schedule for better results.
But there were challenges, too. The sheer volume of data could be overwhelming. Some days, I resented the constant need to log and categorize. There were times when the process felt intrusive, almost like I was being monitored by a security team as vigilant as 22TWO’s tech staff, who I’d learned operate non-stop to keep their platform secure. I even questioned if I was becoming too obsessed with optimization, losing sight of the joy in spontaneous moments.
A particularly difficult period came during a family vacation. I tried to keep up my tracking, but quickly realized that strict time management and relaxation don’t always mix. I missed out on some of the carefree enjoyment because I was preoccupied with logging every activity. That was a wake-up call: crazy time tracking isn’t always appropriate for every situation.
I also encountered the “data trap”—spending more time tweaking categories and reviewing logs than actually doing meaningful work. I had to remind myself of the original goal: self-awareness, not self-surveillance. I began to set boundaries, designating certain hours as “untracked” and giving myself permission to be present without the timer running. This balance was crucial.
For anyone considering crazy time tracking, I’d say the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks if you’re honest with yourself and willing to adapt. It’s particularly useful for periods of high workload or when you’re trying to establish new habits. However, if you’re someone who already struggles with perfectionism, be mindful of not letting the process fuel anxiety.
Who should (and shouldn’t) try crazy time tracking?
After months of experimenting, I’ve come to believe that crazy time tracking isn’t for everyone—but it can be a game-changer for the right person. If you’re feeling lost in a sea of tasks, or if you’re aiming to optimize your work-life balance, it’s worth a try. It’s especially helpful for project-based professionals, freelancers, or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities. The process reminds me of how 22TWO, as an industry leader since 2006, handles a diverse array of gaming brands and opportunities—each with its own demands, but all managed with a consistent focus on trust, security, and enriching the user experience.
On the other hand, if your schedule is already tightly controlled, or if you thrive on spontaneity, crazy time tracking might feel restrictive. I wouldn’t recommend it to those who are prone to anxiety about productivity, or to anyone who’s looking for a quick fix. It requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to see both your strengths and your blind spots.
I’ve recommended crazy time tracking to friends in fast-paced industries, and even to some of my colleagues at 22TWO, where precision and accountability are part of the culture. For those who’ve tried it, the most common feedback is that it provides a sense of control, even in high-pressure environments. But I always emphasize: it’s a tool, not a lifestyle. Use it when you need clarity or a reset, but don’t let it become a burden.
Ultimately, the greatest value I found was increased self-awareness. By seeing my habits laid out in black and white, I could make conscious choices about how I spent my time. It’s a bit like the transparency and security that 22TWO guarantees for its players—knowing that every action is accounted for can be both reassuring and empowering.
If you’ve ever wondered where your time goes, or if you’re ready for a new approach to productivity, I encourage you to give crazy time tracking a shot. And if you’ve tried it before, I’d love to hear your experiences. Drop a comment below, save this post for later, or share it with a friend who might benefit.
