Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work • Hacker News Board

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#21

Post by Geee » Fri, May 08, 2015, 1:17 PM UTC

As a developer, I find it hardest to focus when I don't really have anything clear to focus on. On the other hand, if I have clearly specced small tasks that need to be done, it's quite easy to focus on those, even when there are distractions. If I hit a roadblock or realize I have to re-plan something, that's the moment when I usually lose focus.

Also, I'm not good at focusing in the design / planning stage, if the new feature is kind of ambiguous, and I'm not exactly sure about the requirements. I think it'd help a lot if I had some clear strategy about the design process. Sometimes, though, not actively thinking about something let's the brain sort everything out, and the right solution kind of emerges on it's own.

Currently I'm working on a task 'design and implement the billing system', so here I am on HN.

Edit: I also use https://heyfocus.com/ which bounces me back to work, if I 'accidentally' drift off.

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#22

Post by philippeback » Fri, May 08, 2015, 1:21 PM UTC

I am using Focus@Will a lot.

Works for me.

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#23

Post by brudgers » Fri, May 08, 2015, 1:28 PM UTC

Reading the article suggests another reason why someone might lose focus, what started out as reporting on research that indicated a change in behavior morphed into a shopping experience.

The procession:

1. Interesting but perhaps uncorroborated research

2. Unsubstantiated possible implications of the uncoroborated research.

3. A list of consumer goods and their marketing claims.

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#24

Post by arca_vorago » Fri, May 08, 2015, 1:32 PM UTC

My main response to distraction is to remove myself somehow, while still being "available". If I can't leave the office, don't stop typing to talk to someone. They will get the picture quickly generally. It works better than closing the door (people come in anyway, often in the middle of phone calls) and distractions make their way through putting on a headset and a lecture or some music. (on a side note, I have noticed that I spent quite a bit of time listening to lectures about wide ranging subjects, and had significantly reduced my music listening. I have noticed more productivity with music than with lectures recently, and am moving back in that direction.)

Honestly though, for me as a sysadmin, I do no better work than in the dead of night with no one else in the office and I just simply don't even have to worry about external distractions. No one is calling and interrupting my flow, or requesting my presence, (the majority of my interruptions), and I can put on whatever entertainment I like and work away.

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#25

Post by atom-morgan » Fri, May 08, 2015, 1:32 PM UTC

I'm not ashamed to admit that I use SelfControl [1] when I really need it. That way I literally can't access social media, HN, etc.

[1] https://selfcontrolapp.com/

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#26

Post by erik14th » Fri, May 08, 2015, 1:33 PM UTC

Geee wrote: post #21

As a developer, I find it hardest to focus when I don't really have anything clear to focus on. On the other hand, if I have clearly specced small tasks that need to be done, it's quite easy to focus on those, even when there are distractions. If I hit a roadblock or realize I have to re-plan something, that's the moment when I usually lose focus. Also, I'm not good at focusing in the design / planning stage, if the…

Whenever I start losing focus, I write down the tasks I'm handling at the moment and move them up and down trying to assess priority. I also do that when I stop working so I know where to pick up when I start again. I found out that most of the time when I'm spacing out it's because I can't decide on which small task to do first.

When it comes to design/planning, I like to do it away from the computer, with pen and paper, I sketch away what I'm imagining and walk back and forth while trying to figure it out. It's usually not a hard spec, it's just something I look to when I have no idea of what to do.

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#27

Post by gonzo41 » Fri, May 08, 2015, 1:35 PM UTC

spend $30 (at best) and avoid all problems for ever. (true story)

Nokia 108. It has radio. It also as 1 week of batter life, by buying it, I have more $$ for a new laptop, and the apps I don't have access to have rewarded me by letting me walk places looking for things, sometimes not finding them and finding other better things instead.

Also my memory is getting better without my smart phone, but I'm a fairly visual thinker and I think that taking photo's to remember things was training me not to do it for myself.

each to their own, I work in finance and attention to detail is paramount, peers are less a distraction that a smart phone (which is becoming more of a toy day by day)

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#28

Post by weavie » Fri, May 08, 2015, 1:36 PM UTC

philippeback wrote: post #22

I am using Focus@Will a lot. Works for me.

Interesting. I tried it and didn't notice any improvement over any other music. How much do you think is caused by the actual music and how much do you think is because you have invested some money into improving your focus and so your brain now has a greater incentive?

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#29

Post by weavie » Fri, May 08, 2015, 1:38 PM UTC

cianchette wrote: post #14

How many of you made it through this article without getting interrupted? I only made it about 1/3 the way before I received 3 different text messages.

Couldn't you switch off your phone? Problem solved.

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#30

Post by ciriarte » Fri, May 08, 2015, 1:38 PM UTC

Cthulhu_ wrote: post #12

For me personally it's not so much incoming notifications that distract me, but my colleagues. We're a small team of iOS and Android developers (about seven people total), and there's an almost constant buzz of random activities about various subjects - 90% of which are not directly relevant to me, but sometimes they are. Plus I have a colleague that Demands I Look At His Code Now from time to time. On the one side I…

I have the same issue. In general, coworkers are my main distraction, and it could be for many reasons:

- I also have a coworker that "Demands I Look At His Code Now". And, in general, he demands attention.

- Sometimes it is not time, but emotional. I don't know why but a lot of people come to me to discuss personal issues, or issues at work. I want to help or at least listen, but it is difficult to get anything done if each one of them steals 20 min or more. I feel horrible when I have to terminate the conversation abruptly because I have stuff to do.

- A few of my coworkers like just to be in my office when I am coding or fixing an issue. I think this would be extremely boring for me, but some people like to see how I solve problems. I feel flattered and enjoy the company, but it can get stressful when it is more than one person at a time. I guess it is a blessing and a curse.