Re:Ask HN: I lost my will to program. How can I get it back?
by maglos on Monday December 17, 2012 @01:36PM
(#4933580)
I wouldn't recommend using food as a reward. It sets food on a pedestal it does not deserve. Food is calories and nutrition that enables you to perform your best; glorifying it as a reward for accomplishment may set you up for failure down the road.
Re:Ask HN: I lost my will to program. How can I get it back?
by jbrooksuk on Tuesday December 18, 2012 @04:00AM
(#4936663)
Like I said, works for me - I have a very high metabolism, so I don't get put on a lot of weight if I pig out with pizza once a week whilst I'm burnt out. You could try buying yourself that new watch you've always wanted. Anything which you feel is a reward.
Re:Ask HN: I lost my will to program. How can I get it back?
by maglos on Tuesday December 18, 2012 @07:52PM
(#4940623)
My sister is an olympic level athlete, food as a reward becomes a problem for many of her competitors. Rewards help cement a habit though, personally I use music when I require extra motivation and don't when I don't need it. Maybe consider going to a req center and soak in a hot tub as a reward or a day off.
What I do is start running more, once a night/morning, take the dog for a longer walk, go out to the cinema, meet some friends for a pizza or something. Basically taking my mind away from projects whilst getting fresh air, socialising and being active. During this time I tend to get headaches often, but I NEVER take medicines as they seem to make me feel down again. Spending time outside and getting myself fresh air is the best remedy, takes longer, but it's more natural and feels rewarding.
Talking about rewards, another thing that works for me is rewarding myself with mini-achievements. "I'm going to run 3 miles today. And if I do, we'll have a pizza." any reward except computers. After a week or two - depending on how burnt out I am - I feel the urge to get back on a computer and start working again.
I hope the above helps :) It takes a lot of time to find the right remedy for getting yourself through burnout, but time and time again I've read people saying "just get off the computer and out and about" it works, even thought it can be a pain to motivate yourself at first.