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Ask HN: How do you focus on work for long periods of time?

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Re: Ask HN: How do you focus on work for long periods of time?

#71

Post by lakomen »

I code under Linux where I have no games installed. Also no music running. And then just have at it. When I see that it's not going well, I quit and boot Windows, play games and do all the stuff that scratches that itch until I'm bored with it. Next day I try again and see how it's going. Repeat until it works. But then really use that time when it works. This usually turns into 12+ hours work days that are enjoyable.

This is however not how it works when someone employs you. That's also why I shy away from getting a job. It's not compatible. Or maybe I'm out of the loop and the industry has adapted to worker's needs?

The way I work is, I have work phases and leisure phases. The work phase usually lasts 3 weeks, followed by a leisure phase 1-2 weeks long.

In the work phase, besides getting food, I only work. 12+ hours a day, usually 14, until my eyes bleed and I have to go to bed. Getting food includes a walk for 1 hour. When I'm stuck at a problem I also go for a walk or shopping. Then randomly I just can't do it anymore and have to stop working. The leisure phase begins. This is the time where I refill my tolerance for this game I play, called work. I don't work at all until I'm bored of not working. And then, see the beginning of my post.

Also when I work, I'm on a mission. My mission is to finish this product and nothing can stop me. It's my holy mission. I have to complete it. I'm interested in it. I want it to be finished. It will be finished. Don't distract me! I'm a fucking zealot. Get out the way.

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus on work for long periods of time?

#72

Post by lakomen »

type-r wrote: post #69

this to me is a sign that i'm not working on the right thing. sometimes i'll go weeks without really doing anything at work because nothing feels engaging. other times a problem really grabs me and i think about trying to figure it out all the time. i don't fight these waves anymore. let them come and go.

Amen brother. I just don't know how compatible that is with someone paying your to work on something, aka traditional employment.

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus on work for long periods of time?

#73

Post by lakomen »

Synaesthesia wrote: post #16

When I used amphetamine salts I had a few rules for myself: Don't overdose, keep to low, clincally useful doses. Don't drink coffee and take amphetamine at the same time - too much stimulation, plus I don't eat breakfast. Try to eat and sleep, it's very important for your brain functioning. Stay disciplined, if you find yourself distracted try to calm down. A lower dose often helps me focus. I couldn't do work on mor…

Taking drugs is really bad advice.

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus on work for long periods of time?

#75

Post by hiq »

lakomen wrote: post #71

I code under Linux where I have no games installed. Also no music running. And then just have at it. When I see that it's not going well, I quit and boot Windows, play games and do all the stuff that scratches that itch until I'm bored with it. Next day I try again and see how it's going. Repeat until it works. But then really use that time when it works. This usually turns into 12+ hours work days that are enjoyable…

> That's also why I shy away from getting a job.

What's your source of income then? I guess being a freelancer with somewhat flexible clients would work, is that the case?

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus on work for long periods of time?

#77

Post by isoprophlex »

wara23arish wrote: post #55
isoprophlex wrote: post #41

This is my method. I am blessed with being able to concentrate ferociously... had to train it a bit but most of it is innate ability. This works for me personally. I don't want to come off sounding like "hurrr just start working"..! And to OP: maybe get tested for adhd? --- You think of all tasks you can do at the moment, things where you are not blocked by anything. You prioritize them, say on urgency or on what you…

You might be trolling but I relate to your comment 100%

Tongue in cheek maybe, but not trolling.

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus on work for long periods of time?

#78

Post by JakubDotPy »

I feel you.. I have it the same. I personally resigned on trying to solve this issue. What I am doing instead is, to have this procrastination be productive. When watching youtube, I go see coding videos, or survival. Or instead of music I go listen to Python podcasts to keep in loop on new features. Or I go solve some leetcode problems. Heck I even do chores around the house. Therefore, I know that I should be doing work stuff, but at least I am not wasting time.

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus on work for long periods of time?

#79

Post by agentultra »

Toadtoad wrote: post #25
encephalos wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Was really hoping you’d share the playlist or even the genre as I was reading your comment.

I'm not OP, but I'm pretty sure the point is the ritual of it, not the genre itself. Anything will work as long as it's specifically for working, and you don't play the music elsewhere. If you can get a subconscious link in your brain between that music and working, ideally you can be more focused when listening to it.

This is the gist of it. It takes a while for the ritual to sink in. You have to be disciplined about it at first. Eventually it will become second nature.

Now when I want to focus on coding I can throw my playlist on and get a small boost in focus.

The power of association. Our brains seem to be association machines. Smells and sounds to certain memories, times, or places. A ritual helps you deliberately build an unconscious association.

Re: Ask HN: How do you focus on work for long periods of time?

#80

Post by Ilasky »

One of the neat ways to stay focused is through a technique called body doubling! ( https://doubleapp.xyz/blog/how-to-body-double ) Having another person around really creates a unique encouragement to keep on your own task at hand.

Also a critical part is not necessarily focusing for long periods of time, but to make the focused time more mindful with breaks in between. For instance, Itzhak Perlman (arguably one of the best violinists of all time) frequently emphasized that pros should practice between 3 and 5 hours a day just due to the fact that after that point the body can't absorb any more. He also emphasizes breaks too; instead of one full hour, do 50 minutes on / 10 minutes off.

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