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Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?

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Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?

#31

Post by nosse »

mkopinsky wrote: post #22
dageshi wrote: post #20

Go 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" As dumb as it seems this switches your mind from "meander mode" as I call it to "focus on work mode".

You could even use (gasp!) a real notepad. The tactile effect of writing down (and especially, crossing off) the tasks and intermediate steps by hand is not to be underestimated. In addition, you get the benefit described by ktrgardiner above, that switching to your task list doesn't obscure your productive work. You always have that piece of paper staring at you reminding you what you're working on.

I find it relaxing to actually use my calendar. If I have stuff that I can schedule somewhere in near future, but I don't have the time to do it now, It's lot nicer looking at my calendar than my TO DO list.

Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?

#34

Post by gte910h »

cletus wrote: post #7

The first question I need to put out there is: are you bored or simply burnt out? This can often masquerade as an inability to concentrate. Fact is, if you like what you do it's a lot easier to just do it. That being said, many (most?) people benefit (or even need) a relatively distraction-free environment. This means no TV near your computer (particularly relevant if you work from home), stopping distractions from o…

>In my case I can't stand people walking around me,

I've had people threaten my job because of my similar positioning of my monitor "What are you hiding", etc.

Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?

#35

Post by mkopinsky »

nosse wrote: post #31
mkopinsky wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You could even use (gasp!) a real notepad. The tactile effect of writing down (and especially, crossing off) the tasks and intermediate steps by hand is not to be underestimated. In addition, you get the benefit described by ktrgardiner above, that switching to your task list doesn't obscure your productive work. You always have that piece of paper staring at you reminding you what you're working on.

I find it relaxing to actually use my calendar. If I have stuff that I can schedule somewhere in near future, but I don't have the time to do it now, It's lot nicer looking at my calendar than my TO DO list.

A calendar or a formal todo list are both too formal for me. I use Post-It notes, or a pad of paper on a busy day.

Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?

#36

Post by jeffool »

georgieporgie wrote: post #23

I'll repeat what I said the last time this came up: consider that it may be depression. Depression can cause ADHD-like symptoms. It can creep up on you slowly, so you don't even realize you've become depressed. And it can be very, very hard to get out of on your own. Aside from that, the Pomodoro technique helps me quite a lot. Not only do the 25-minute stretches provide a clear, definite period of focus, getting you…

I recently lost my job (unrelated to work performance) and I have to say, I was so damn happy. Like cletus mentioned, I was burned out, and just generally unhappy in life because of it. Now I'm happier, job hunting, and learning Java because I want to make a game for the fun of it.

I don't know where my next paycheck is coming from, but god I'm smiling.

(Yes, that in itself causes some awkward feelings, but I'm dealing.)

Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?

#38

Post by angdis »

Procrastination and not getting work done can be caused MANY different things. There is no way that a few sentences exchanged with strangers will crack this problem.

You have to find the root cause of your problem in your own way. For some that means seeing a counselor or talking to a loved one or mentor who understands you.

Re: Ask HN: I am wasting so much of time, what can I do?

#39

Post by kaybe »

cletus wrote: post #7

The first question I need to put out there is: are you bored or simply burnt out? This can often masquerade as an inability to concentrate. Fact is, if you like what you do it's a lot easier to just do it. That being said, many (most?) people benefit (or even need) a relatively distraction-free environment. This means no TV near your computer (particularly relevant if you work from home), stopping distractions from o…

Just use the headphones without music to only get the wins from this. It's not like anyone except you can tell the difference.
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