I find short term goals and check list help me focus. I like the feeling for completing something, and I can often get on a roll of checking things off the list. Also, in terms of coding I like to try and write what I need, even if I know it isn't optimal or complete; I usually figure out the solution midway through.
Ask HN: How do you focus?
11–17 of 17 posts
Re: Ask HN: How do you focus?
#12Positive Feedback Loops.
Plan - Outline - Allocate limited time for Sub-Tasks - EXECUTE!
Works just like this little BASIC program:
10 LET T = 10
20 LET N = 0
30 IF N Re: Ask HN: How do you focus?
#13Do just one thing. By which I mean: if I have a task list, when I choose the next task to do, I do only that task. I don't check email, read HN, answer phones, or anything else until the task is done. After the task, I allow the email check, surf, etc. for a few minutes, before I begin on the next task, which, once again, I do to the exclusion of everything else. If you do this for a few days, you'll find it's a progressively easier habit to move in and out of the 'concentration zone.'
Re: Ask HN: How do you focus?
#14Find somebody to work with. I sometimes have this issue, and having someone on the phone or skype with me allows me to talk things through with them. I can go fro stuck to super productive in minutes.
Re: Ask HN: How do you focus?
#15It really just comes down to good old fashioned discipline. When you start to drift off, instantly snap out of it and pull yourself back in to what you're supposed to be doing. Setting yourself small goals to start with can work wonders. Just go hard for 2 steps then take a mini 5-10 min break. Then set a stretch goal to get through the next 3 steps etc. Sometimes when we get distracted it can mean we're not emotionally in the moment and you've just got to push through it regardless, especially if you're serious about getting things done. Once you build a bit of momentum, it will get easier.
Re: Ask HN: How do you focus?
#16maybe there is something to borrow from this situation. if you have tasks a,b,c to accomplish for client z, and they don't bug you at all, you might (having the same issue with focus) piss away the days on other things, avoiding tasks a,b,c. You suddenly have laser focus when client z starts pinging you (email, skype, voicemail) about wrapping it up, seeing something etc.. I know, I've been there. It all works out, but there are times when we all need someone to hold out feet to the fire to get things done / ramp up productivity.
Re: Ask HN: How do you focus?
#17I keep it simple and use the Pomodoro technique:
- 25 min non stop work (try e.ggtimer.com for a timer to keep track)
- 5 min off (free time)
- After 3 or so pomodoro's, reward yourself with a 15-20 minute break and repeat
This technique has been very effective in everything from writing my master's thesis (which I hated) to learning web dev frameworks (such as RoR).