Ask HN: Productivity Is Lacking

#1

Post by NiftyIon » Wed, Dec 23, 2009, 3:20 AM UTC

So, there was recently an article about 'stop trying to be productive, just chill out'.

I agree with that type of sentiment, but I've been doing a lot of work lately and have finished it all. Now, I will soon be on my yearly 'Christmas vacation', and I'll have lots of time to get things done. But, the thing is, it seems like I don't want to start anything and just end up browsing news and youtube.

I know that I really enjoy programming, learning new styles of dance (jumpstyle? shuffle? tango?), and foreign languages, and a number of other things - but instead, I might just waste away my break on the internet.

Does anyone else have this... problem, so to speak? Any thoughts on it? What do you do about it?

I don't want to be a productivity guru on this, because after all, it's my vacation, but I'm just curious as to what your thoughts on this are.

Re: Ask HN: Productivity Is Lacking

#2

Post by nostrademons » Wed, Dec 23, 2009, 3:47 AM UTC

You've just done a lot of work, and it's Christmas vacation. Give yourself a break.

I really enjoy programming too, but that doesn't mean I want to spend every waking moment doing it (okay, I guess I do spend most waking moments doing it ;-)). When I don't feel like doing anything, I don't, and I try not to stress out about it. I occasionally fail, but it's good to remind myself that not everything has to be something productive.

Otherwise, you're heading down the road to burnout. Disinterest in your projects is a sign that your brain needs a rest...give it one.

Re: Ask HN: Productivity Is Lacking

#3

Post by teuobk » Wed, Dec 23, 2009, 5:57 AM UTC

Would you be interested in an "accountabilibudy" (with apologies to South Park)? I'm finding myself in a bit of a productivity rut at the moment, too, and perhaps some sort of ongoing dialogue would be mutually beneficial. Interested?

Re: Ask HN: Productivity Is Lacking

#4

Post by uherr » Wed, Dec 23, 2009, 7:39 AM UTC

http://designmylaptop.ro/inscrieri/022e4fbffba40d302f1b0225f...

Re: Ask HN: Productivity Is Lacking

#5

Post by mschy » Wed, Dec 23, 2009, 4:05 PM UTC

Momentum is key. Find a way to get yourself starting doing something (e.g. sign up for those language or dance classes or what not), and continuing is comparatively easy.