Re:Ask HN: How to maintain focus during long, critical-think...
by muzani on Monday July 31, 2017 @12:36PM
(#14893495)
I chunk all work down to 2 hours max. Keep chopping it up until I can get it small enough.
Then I completely focus for the period of time needed, no other distractions, 15 to 120 minutes. It's similar to the Pomodoro method, except with a max of 2 hours. If I feel the urge to do something else, I jot it down to be done in the break.
I then force myself to take a mandatory break after the estimated time is over.
If I expect a distraction during the needed time, like a meeting or lunch, I do something else that fits the time slot.
If I'm uncertain how long a task takes, I put aside 1-2 hours to hack a disposable prototype or do research.
Then I completely focus for the period of time needed, no other distractions, 15 to 120 minutes. It's similar to the Pomodoro method, except with a max of 2 hours. If I feel the urge to do something else, I jot it down to be done in the break.
I then force myself to take a mandatory break after the estimated time is over.
If I expect a distraction during the needed time, like a meeting or lunch, I do something else that fits the time slot.
If I'm uncertain how long a task takes, I put aside 1-2 hours to hack a disposable prototype or do research.