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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

#41

Post by t3ra »

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…

"stop fapping"... I wonder why you mention that? :p where can I read about that

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

#42

Post by ak39 »

cylinder wrote: post #32
ak39 wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you keep a simple list of things to finish? Whenever you think of something that needs to be done, jot it down. Carry that black book everywhere. See if that works.

I am horrible at lists and calendars. Even if I start keeping a Todo list or an organized calendar or Evernote ideas log, I just stop paying attention to the list eventually. I see how coworkers are constantly looking at their calendar, and that's just confusing to me.

I too am horrible with lists. But when you get started - just a simple list of things (no calendar due dates etc) - just the list ... you start thinking differently.

Step 1: Make a list.

Step 2: Do nothing!

Jokes aside, soon enough you'll execute on the list and then you can show your cat what a badass you are at getting things done.

Good luck friend.

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

#43

Post by adrusi »

slater wrote: post #2

IANAD, but sounds like a potential ADHD case: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_deficit_hyperactivit...

Its hard to make any meaningful conclusions about that based on just descriptions of someone's problems, since ADHD is so outwardly subtle.

OP indicated that this was a recent trend, which would cast doubt on the ADHD explanation. Not that it's impossible. Maybe OP cut their coffee intake in the past year, or maybe some recent event sent them spiraling into a depressive loop. There are a number of ways that previously controlled ADHD symptoms can suddenly run wild.

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

#44

Post by hoodwink »

cylinder wrote: post #14
hoodwink wrote: post #8

It's a common problem. Watch this TED Talk about why we procrastinate by Tim Urban and read his articles. They're both funny and insightful. https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_urban_inside_the_mind_of_a_mas...

It's pretty bad for me, I dream about bailing to a blue collar life because then I can focus and work with my hands, and not click around online procrastinating. All that talk did was talk about the symptoms of what it's like to be a procrastinator. Including the link in another comment. Who wants to talk about how to fix it other than "stop procrastinating!"

Well, maybe you're being too hard on yourself. Seeing that this is a widespread problem might help that.

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

#47

Post by yotamoron »

Don't get me the wrong way, but this is your problem, and only you can solve it. Eventually, you will probably try some stuff, only to understand that there isn't really an advice that can help you (some might help for a while but will eventually become useless). The solution is all yours to discover.

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

#48

Post by late_groomer »

This is from my experience:

Start working as soon as your day begins (the moment your hands touch the keyboard/mouse). Do not allow yourself to go down the rabbit hole for even a second by checking/playing/reading whatever. You'll quickly get into your task and put good time into it (again, this is just my experience).

Your glucose levels are at their highest when you start your day, take advantage of that. Screwing off after you put in a few good hours becomes a reward, not a vice.

Good article on glucose's function in the brain: http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-brain-uses-glucose-to-fu...

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

#49

Post by amasad »

mchannon wrote: post #35

Here's a contrarian viewpoint- There's nothing wrong with you- your subconscious is doing its job. Procrastination is an unpopular but nonetheless effective method of time and task management. In fact, I'd argue it's the most effective. Take a college class for example. Your instructor gives you a weeklong homework assignment. While a few type-A personalities may dive in right away and have it done by the following d…

>subconscious didn't spend a week thinking about the problems

Is there another person hiding in the corners of your brain doing the work? What does subconciocus even mean in this context? I think if we replaced 'subconscious' with 'mojo' here it would sound the same for me.

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

#50

Post by markyc »

t3ra wrote: post #41
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…

"stop fapping"... I wonder why you mention that? :p where can I read about that

http://reddit.com/r/nofap (start with sidebar info)
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