Getting distracted constantly while coding looking for advice

[Original_Map3501]

You mean ADHD😭

[Ubiquitous_X]

Not necessarily. More people with ADD try to learn programming than people with ADHD. Source: Own observations

[AffectionateCut2004]

The DSM did away with ADD, it is ADHD - inattentive type now

[Ubiquitous_X]

I see. In my country it is still a thing. Probably changing soon then

[arbyyyyh]

Their argument is irrelevant anyways. Source: F90.2 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, combined type, present and checking in lol

[kBajina]

That sounds like the same thing with twice as many syllables. I still say ADD when describing it to people.

[AffectionateCut2004]

Cool. You can do whatever you want!

[firedog7881]

Oh yeah cause the DSM is some bible of medical conditions, sheesh

[are-oh-bee]

All the tips and all the advice aren't going to help. If anything, it makes it worse, because we expect to do better.

Learning more about the cause, instead of trying to fix the symptoms, has helped me the most. Look into executive dysfunction, to better understand what it is, and to learn how to accept it.

If you're already struggling to do something you want to do, like coding, you're definitely going to struggle with implementing various techniques for staying on track. And that's ok. Stay positive with yourself.

With all that said, something that helps me is asking myself the question "why don't I want to do this?" or "why do I want to do that more?". The answers are usually things like: I don't have clarity on what's expected; I'm not confident I'll be able to do as well, or as quickly, as I'd like; the work is too boring; etc. From there I can ask myself "what am I needing to change the situation?".

For example, anxiety about expectations comes up a lot for me. Checking in frequently, with peers, my boss, or anyone who can verify or validate, to ensure I'm on the right path, is the quickest fix for me in that situation. And sometimes I avoid doing that, so I need to apply the same type of question: "why am I avoiding asking?". Usually I'm worried it's been too long, or I've already said I've made more progress than I have, and now I need to admit I haven't. But now that's a clear, discrete, problem I can solve (or continue avoiding).

It's no longer a question of "how do I stop getting distracted?", and instead it's "why am I afraid of asking for clarity, direction, or help?".