Some reasons to work on productivity and velocity

Re:Some reasons to work on productivity and velocity by Darkstryder on Saturday October 16, 2021 @06:20AM (#28886815)

Something Dan is not talking about at all but is at the core of my personal productivity troubles is energy level management. There is a world of difference between my average productivity and my peak productivity as I tend to work in short productive bursts then need a lot of time to recharge.

My yearly work output is OKish but my daily or weekly productivity has very high variance, which has caused me some trouble in the past (especially in agile shops where constant productivity is expected).

Personally I haven’t found any magical way to meaningfully improve my average productivity. Every time I think I just found a magic bullet, it usually boils down to working closer to my peak productivity for some time (sometimes without noticing it myself) then realizing I can not sustain that on a full year / full decade / full career.

Before thinking of improving specific skills, just being able to be focused and working without distraction all day every day would be an order-of-magnitude improvement for me.

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Re:Some reasons to work on productivity and velocity by jkhdigital on Saturday October 16, 2021 @07:54AM (#28887211)

> Before thinking of improving specific skills, just being able to be focused and working without distraction all day every day would be an order-of-magnitude improvement for me.

I solved this problem by going to a psychiatrist, getting diagnosed with ADHD (at age 35), and starting medication.

Not an exaggeration—I struggled with compulsive video gaming for almost my entire life; now on medication that issue has just completely vanished.

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Re:Some reasons to work on productivity and velocity by Darkstryder on Saturday October 16, 2021 @08:05AM (#28887259)

Thank you.

I was fearing/expecting someone to mention ADHD. I have never been formally diagnosed but everything I read about it feels suspiciously similar to the way my brain is wired. I might have to look into it more seriously. I’m currently 33.

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Re:Some reasons to work on productivity and velocity by Jensson on Saturday October 16, 2021 @08:18AM (#28887334)

We didn't evolve to sit and focus for hours per day, some people can still do it but others need medicine. The main thing the medicine does is tell your brain "now is the time to focus, don't look for something else!". If being able to do that would feel life changing to you rather than just helpful then you should go get tested.

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Re:Some reasons to work on productivity and velocity by fsociety on Monday October 18, 2021 @02:42AM (#28902845)

I agree with your general message and positivity but it is worth mentioning that Adderall, and stimulants, work differently in an ADHD brain vs. a neurotypical brain. The biggest effect I notice is not focus in a pill but instead a calming effect on the brain.

This has a profound effect on things not related to focus like background anxiety, mild depression, impulsivity, managing relationships etc.

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Re:Some reasons to work on productivity and velocity by jkhdigital on Saturday October 16, 2021 @08:33AM (#28887390)

Do thorough research first, so you don’t just look like a drug seeker if you do decide to talk to a doctor. Highly recommend Dr. Russell Barkley’s YouTube videos, as well as Edward Hallowell’s still-relevant book Driven to Distraction.

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Re:Some reasons to work on productivity and velocity by fsociety on Monday October 18, 2021 @02:28AM (#28902793)

Nothing to fear, if you do have it your brain has always been this way so in a sense nothing has changed. That said a diagnosis can bring a lot of clarity, understanding, and help you form strategies to do better.

If you seek evaluation, seek it from someone with a lot of experience with Adult ADHD. If you get a diagnosis, make sure you work with a doctor who starts you at the lowest dose and slowly ups it as needed.

How to ADHD is a great YouTube channel, if you are curious.

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