** Introduction**
Focusmate changed my life. I started using it mid-2023 and have been a power user since 2023. Here are the high-level stats:
- I've spent 2,456 hours on Focusmate.
- I've met 1,447 people.
- I have 10+ friends with whom I've spent between 30 and 300 hours.
- I've met five of my Focusmate friends in person. I've had a Focusmate's family over for dinner, gone to a party with a Focusmate, and stayed at a Focusmate's apartment.
- I met my best friend and many close friends through Focusmate.
- I've become significantly more productive and intentional with my time.
Focusmate is a coworking website. For the length of 25, 50, or 75 minutes, you work in a 1-on-1 video call with a partner. Most people use the app to hold themselves accountable on work projects, and the body-doubling effect helps keep users on task. To get started, create an account [...]
Outline:
(00:10) Introduction
(01:58) What's a third place
(03:02) Start conversations at the end of sessions
(03:07) Making conversation
(03:55) Starting conversations is scary and awkward
(05:12) Be proactive in making friends
(06:02) Curate your neighborhood
(06:05) Favorite and snooze aggressively
(07:00) Develop close friends
(07:56) Theres a message box
(08:24) Build a routine of using Focusmate
(08:29) Have a recurring schedule every week
(09:02) Stick with it for a few months
(09:26) Conclusion
First published:
April 28th, 2025
Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/4FnBEELf7j5RWyHax/how-to-build-a-third-place-on-focusmate)
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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO).
