Re:Ask HN: How do you get out of a rut?
by escapedmoose on Wednesday January 26, 2022 @10:07AM
(#30086351)
I've been using the same technique as you for at least 2 years now, and while I probably do get more done that way, sometimes I feel like it's sapping the life force out of me. Even when what I'm executing is creative, the process makes everything feel robotic. I'm really struggling with that lately.
I know exactly what you are talking about. After following Ultraworking Lights [1] for a couple of months, everything started feeling mechanical for me. So, I've stopped doing it and instead started doing anything I just feel like doing each day. Which comes with its own set of problems.
Re:Ask HN: How do you get out of a rut?
by protontorpedo on Wednesday January 26, 2022 @12:13PM
(#30088292)
The original question was about "how to break out of lethargy", and I think it might work for that. I think some people need "momentum" to get invested into what they want to do; the motivation doesn't come until they're deep into it.
But yeah, like you said, it might not be enough in the long run.
Re:Ask HN: How do you get out of a rut?
by rozularen on Wednesday January 26, 2022 @05:31AM
(#30083828)
It'd be great to be able to buy a pill that instantly turns anyone into a disciplined person.
Re:Ask HN: How do you get out of a rut?
by hrnnnnnn on Wednesday January 26, 2022 @09:58AM
(#30086235)
It's something you can build slowly, and it tends to stick more that way.
Start by committing do doing your thing three times a week for five minutes at a time. Then five times a week. Then fifteen minutes at a time. Then an hour, and so on.
Re:Ask HN: How do you get out of a rut?
by protontorpedo on Wednesday January 26, 2022 @06:04AM
(#30084056)
I get your point. But my opinion is that you will benefit more from a method to get things done, than from just waiting for your mood to improve. I rather not take drugs if I don't have a health condition.
What works for me is, as much as I don't like the word, discipline. I take an hour every week to review my routine and plans, when I'm inspired and motivated. The rest of the time, when I'm not motivated, I spend executing what I wrote down. In the beginning you will feel miserable, angry, and sad. But after a couple weeks you get used to being your own boss. No matter what you feel (unless you're physically ill), just do what's written down and defer the decision making process (is this what I should be doing) to that planning hour.