I downloaded the leechblock plugin for firefox to block certain websites during working hours. Now, whenever I load hacker news (or whatever) during working hours it forwards me to a failure motivational poster. It has actually helped me a lot.
Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?
11–20 of 97 posts
Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?
#12In a first step you really have to find out _why_ you are wasting time!
I thought for a long time that I am kind of addicted to the internet and that this is the reason I am wasting a lot of time there. Over the years I tried a lot of stuff to cut down consumption but nothing really worked.
What finally helped was the realization that the excessive internet usage is really just a sympton of more underlying problems and not the problem itself . (For example if there is no internet, I use books instead):
I use (and still use) the internet as a way to flee from reality and all its associated problems. Especially at work when I have a difficult project I automatically open the browser to hide from all the problems which comes from the project.
So in order to get to work I have to make a list of smaller task I have to do for this project and then start with the one which is the easiest one because this reduces the likelihood that I distract myself.
Some more infos on my specific situation:
Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?
#13Consider the following three steps: 1) Pomodoro Technique. Aim for something like 14-18 pomodori per day. (Assuming 25 minutes per pomodoro.) If you do the math you may think "oh that's not much" but you'll be exhausted by the end of it. 2) Install Rescuetime and religiously use it to track how your time is spent during the weekday. Use their "Stay focused" function when you are sprinting on a pomodoro. 3) Get a seco…
Second on the pomodoro technique. If I had major deliverables no matter what the task is, I'd use it if I was serious. I've used it on hobby project and saw an obvious difference. If I was indie, I'd put all my discipline energy into following it.
Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?
#14It's counterintuitive but try reducing the amount of work you take on until you start seeing a reduction in the amount of time you spend procrastinating.
I find the same thing. My focus is much better when I remember to get away from the work take care of myself.
At a friend's recommendation I started going to the gym when I feel myself drifting into procrastination. I was skeptical of the benefits at first but now it consistently clears my mind and sets me on the right track. I think it has something to do with the dopamine release that exercise provides.
It might also be worthwhile to examine -why- you're procrastinating. In my experience, procrastination is caused by anxiety about the project I'm working on.
Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?
#15Lots of great tips here. I'd also suggest taking the time out to talk to your doctor. I was in a similar position as you -- my productivity fell immensely within the last two years. After speaking with my doctor, I was diagnosed with a minor form of ADHD. Now that I'm on some light meds (20mg Ritalin), I feel I can focus better and get more out of my time.
Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?
#16It's counterintuitive but try reducing the amount of work you take on until you start seeing a reduction in the amount of time you spend procrastinating.
If you're really struggling, I'd also look into Adult ADHD. It's more prevalent than many people realize.
Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?
#17Consider the following three steps: 1) Pomodoro Technique. Aim for something like 14-18 pomodori per day. (Assuming 25 minutes per pomodoro.) If you do the math you may think "oh that's not much" but you'll be exhausted by the end of it. 2) Install Rescuetime and religiously use it to track how your time is spent during the weekday. Use their "Stay focused" function when you are sprinting on a pomodoro. 3) Get a seco…
There's also a StayFocusd[1] plugin for Chrome which will block sites for you.
I'm struggling with my own procrastination and it seems to be helping, although I find myself distracting myself via other means :-/
[1] https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/laankejkbhbdhmipfm...
Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?
#18Consider the following three steps: 1) Pomodoro Technique. Aim for something like 14-18 pomodori per day. (Assuming 25 minutes per pomodoro.) If you do the math you may think "oh that's not much" but you'll be exhausted by the end of it. 2) Install Rescuetime and religiously use it to track how your time is spent during the weekday. Use their "Stay focused" function when you are sprinting on a pomodoro. 3) Get a seco…
There's also a StayFocusd[1] plugin for Chrome which will block sites for you. I'm struggling with my own procrastination and it seems to be helping, although I find myself distracting myself via other means :-/ [1] https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/laankejkbhbdhmipfm...
Also try Crackbook [1] for Chrome which delays pages instead of banning them. Works much better for me that Stayfocusd, which I just disable after a while. (Disclaimer: I am the author.)
[1] https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/nbgjmohekjolcgemlo...
Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?
#19Forgive the plug, but give my blog a visit. I've been using it to document my struggle with procrastination and perfectionism since the beginning of the year. The main reason I put it out there was so what I've learned could benefit someone else. Drop me a comment if you find any of it useful.
Here is the link: http://www.itneversleeps.net
Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?
#20Go Start->Run type in notepad and press enter (or equivalent on your platform)
* begin bullet pointed list
-break down steps to achieve each bullet point
-some could be as simple as "google xyz"