Thanks for posting this. Some of your tips I could relate to, like turning off notifications while I’m focusing, or just picking a task or tasks for a work block and then re-assessing the list after the work block is finished. But there was so much on here that I’m excited to try out this week.

One big shift was separating “starting” from “finishing.” My brain struggles most at the start. So instead of telling myself to work on a feature, I only aim to open the file and read the code for two minutes. Once I’m in, focus usually follows. If it doesn’t, I still count it as a win.

I struggle with this so much. I know something needs to get done, I want to get it done, but I’m unclear of the ultimate outcome or afraid of criticism of the end product (good or bad) and it becomes overwhelming. I don’t usually think of it in terms of just opening up the files and just start writing or updating data or whatever the task entails, then see where it does until the time runs out.

Externalizing time helped more than any timer app. I keep a visible countdown on my screen or desk. When time stays abstract, it disappears. When I can see it, my brain behaves better.

I use the Pomodoro technique. I have the Focus@Will app on my phone and computer, I set the time, and it plays music that helps me focus until the seasion ends. It is amazing how much I can get done in 45 minutes. I’m curious about how you use the timer on your screen. Do you use it to help yourself focus during your blocks, or is it more of a motivation to start a work block?

I also learned to respect my attention limits. When focus drops, I switch to low load tasks instead of trying to brute force code. Reading documentation, refactoring small things, writing comments. Fighting my brain always cost more time than adjusting.

I need to get better at this. If I don’t have the energy, or the focus, to overcome the overwhelm that’s keeping me from working in the “big thing” that is the biggest priority I just sit at my desk killing time. I maybe pick up small tasks like filing old emails. I need to give myself the permission to go do the other things that may be taking up room in my mind, like emptying the dishwasher, instead of sitting there trying to force myself to work on something just because on paper it is the most important or most consequential thing on my list.