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Ask HN: Can't concentrate to focus, until it's last minute or later

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Re: Ask HN: Can't concentrate to focus, until it's last minute or later

#141

Post by Xcelerate »

neotek wrote: post #33
lallysingh wrote: post #15

Two things: 1) Figure out your MBTI type, and research it. I found that my own type (INTP) really described my work pattern quite well. I found it a bit liberating, as I can try to plan towards my strengths a bit. 2) Exercise can really help here. If you're procrastinating, you're not doing useful work. So work out instead. The exercise can help your motivation and focus substantially . Much more than coffee or red b…

>MBTI type https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/give-and-take/201309/go...

Those points all have validity to them, but have you ever met an INTJ who procrastinates? I can't say I have. Look at Musk — he's essentially the embodiment of pure INTJ.

Re: Ask HN: Can't concentrate to focus, until it's last minute or later

#142

Post by randycupertino »

copperx wrote: post #106

This post hits too close to home. I suffered through this and was the worst during my Masters. I wrote my masters thesis in about two sleepless days. It was the worst period in my life. I was alarmed, so I went to a psychiatrist and diagnosed me as ADHD, and the stimulants worked wonderfully until I started feeling the long term effects : chronic dry mouth leading me to losing one teeth, insufferable tiredness when n…

Thanks for sharing. Do you sleep with a CPAP now?

Re: Ask HN: Can't concentrate to focus, until it's last minute or later

#143

Post by swaits »

I use music (EDM, Ambient, etc.) that I really like to get myself into a zone.

After the productivity surge, I emotionally reward myself by thinking (unintentionally, actually) about how great it felt to be productive and how awesome the music was at helping me hone in on the work at hand.

I also recently started using https://www.brain.fm/ and alternate between it and music.

Re: Ask HN: Can't concentrate to focus, until it's last minute or later

#144

Post by jdpigeon »

gt565k wrote: post #12

Take a step back and think about the environment you were in when you were the most productive. When your mind was the sharpest it has ever been and you were knocking shit out left and right. Maybe that was in high school or college, or during your first few years in your career. Ask yourself: What was different back then? What was your daily routine? What did you eat? Did you play sports or stay active? A lot of peo…

This 'low dopamine' hypothesis just doesn't sound like it can be true to me. However, I've heard a psychopharmacologist use those exact words.

I don't know what to think :/

Re: Ask HN: Can't concentrate to focus, until it's last minute or later

#147

Post by tdkl »

jarjoura wrote: post #60
gt565k wrote: post #12

Take a step back and think about the environment you were in when you were the most productive. When your mind was the sharpest it has ever been and you were knocking shit out left and right. Maybe that was in high school or college, or during your first few years in your career. Ask yourself: What was different back then? What was your daily routine? What did you eat? Did you play sports or stay active? A lot of peo…

haha why did you mention that whole "no fapping" thing? All I can picture now is some 20 year old guy feeling guilty he jerked off 4 times in a day and feels like his life is out of control.

It drains energy/drive, that could be used in productive ways.

Re: Ask HN: Can't concentrate to focus, until it's last minute or later

#148

Post by tajen »

sillysaurus3 wrote: post #40
gt565k wrote: post #12

Take a step back and think about the environment you were in when you were the most productive. When your mind was the sharpest it has ever been and you were knocking shit out left and right. Maybe that was in high school or college, or during your first few years in your career. Ask yourself: What was different back then? What was your daily routine? What did you eat? Did you play sports or stay active? A lot of peo…

Think about the environment you were in when you were the most productive. Maybe that was in high school or college, or during your first few years in your career. Ask yourself: What was different back then? I was younger.

I was beloved. By my parents.

Re: Ask HN: Can't concentrate to focus, until it's last minute or later

#149

Post by hoodoof »

Yes all the time. Once I'm started I'm OK though.

I solve it by identifying one very small thing - the first first, smallest task. When that is done I do it again, find the smallest possible next thing that needs doing and do that. Repeat.

The problem with programming is that it is easy to be overwhelmed by the ultimate scale of the big picture. Keep it small.

Re: Ask HN: Can't concentrate to focus, until it's last minute or later

#150

Post by copperx »

randycupertino wrote: post #142
copperx wrote: post #106

This post hits too close to home. I suffered through this and was the worst during my Masters. I wrote my masters thesis in about two sleepless days. It was the worst period in my life. I was alarmed, so I went to a psychiatrist and diagnosed me as ADHD, and the stimulants worked wonderfully until I started feeling the long term effects : chronic dry mouth leading me to losing one teeth, insufferable tiredness when n…

Thanks for sharing. Do you sleep with a CPAP now?

Yes, I do. Not the most comfortable thing at first; in fact, it sucks. But every bit of discomfort when falling asleep is worth it when you wake up.
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