First and foremost, have a purpose or goal that's worthwhile. Everything we do starts with where we're coming from and where we're going. What you're describing is essentially low-level burnout. The cause of burnout is that we internally realize that our goals aren't worth the time and effort we're putting into them. The right solution is to find goals that are. This is how many people have been able to push themselves far past "burnout" levels without burning out. Because their purpose is rock solid.
Ask HN: How do I develop focus?
151–160 of 201 posts
Re: Ask HN: How do I develop focus?
#152You don't need focus; you need to understand what your goal is . If you're dropping projects that look "unfinished" because, in reality, you've gotten what you want from them, that is fine. It only looks sloppy from the outside. If you're dropping projects before you get what you want from them, introspect on why. What's happening that leads you away? Address that . I recommend reading Barbara Sher's "Refuse to Choos…
Thank you for the book recommendation.
If the Post O.P. is like me - he should get the Audible version. Releases 4/19/22
Re: Ask HN: How do I develop focus?
#153> Ask HN: How do I develop focus? Ask your shrink for a Vyvanse/Elvanse prescription.
My warning: Had two "rage attacks" on this drug - only later remembered that I had took this and it could alter my emotional control...
Re: Ask HN: How do I develop focus?
#154Discipline.
Everything else is a form of procrastination.
Re: Ask HN: How do I develop focus?
#155You don't need focus; you need to understand what your goal is . If you're dropping projects that look "unfinished" because, in reality, you've gotten what you want from them, that is fine. It only looks sloppy from the outside. If you're dropping projects before you get what you want from them, introspect on why. What's happening that leads you away? Address that . I recommend reading Barbara Sher's "Refuse to Choos…
One of my favorite rap lyrics is "Ya nervous, because you lack a purpose" https://genius.com/837334 I'm usually a terrible speaker, but when I was running a startup I really believed in, I made great presentations and was very extroverted. Find a purpose and the rest takes care of itself.
[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: How do I develop focus?
#156Take written notes about the things that distract you, be very honest, and review those notes regularly (daily at first). It takes practice, and involves unwanted overhead, but it worked for me.
Re: Ask HN: How do I develop focus?
#157* figure out your sleep cycle to make that consistent. I am a night owl, always have been (I'm 47)
* which leads to finding the "productive" part of your day. Focus on that time by removing any distractions you can. For me it is really between 10:00am and 3:00 pm.
* even during that focus period, take a break. Couple minutes each hour. Think of it as a rest period you would do when working out.
* Take a good walk a lunch. I've done this for 20 years now. Eat lunch quickly, then take a 20-40 minute walk outside. But I know people that do that walk before work as well.
* craft your environment for focus. The whole "distraction free" desk is actually a huge distraction, so does not work for me. I need various things for my hands to do when I'm thinking on problems, so I keep a set of fidget toys on my desk at all times. This doesn't mean dirty, or being a slob at your desk, it is just having familiar items available. (anyone that has argued 'messy desk, messy mind', I've countered with 'empty desk, empty mind').
Re: Ask HN: How do I develop focus?
#158Jira + https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YClta_Erq6U
JIRA is the worst piece of software around. Everytime I watch is load (seemingly forever) just to update a ticket, I feel a little more sad. Usually I get distracted and end up on YouTube.
Funny. I use it to manage my projects, design and documentation. In that sense it helps me stay organized and avoid having never to close a project or idea.
Re: Ask HN: How do I develop focus?
#159This might be a bit off topic, but might help somehow...
Something that has striked me during the last weeks --since I got my WHOOP-- is the correlation between HRV and self-control (aka. will). I've monitored how productive and focused I am and my top days all have in common this:
-- didn't drink alcohol at least 3 days before (I'm now avoiding it as much as possible)
-- got at least 3.5 hours of REM and deep sleep
-- breath exercises at least 3 time a day
Conclusion... monitor your HRV and you might be able to focus better
Re: Ask HN: How do I develop focus?
#160This might be a bit off topic, but might help somehow... Something that has striked me during the last weeks --since I got my WHOOP-- is the correlation between HRV and self-control (aka. will). I've monitored how productive and focused I am and my top days all have in common this: -- didn't drink alcohol at least 3 days before (I'm now avoiding it as much as possible) -- got at least 3.5 hours of REM and deep sleep…
For me caffeine is also a killer, even more so than the alcohol.