General Discussions

**Indy** · 07-18-2006, 07:23 PM

How do you guys do it?

Every day, I wake up and think "I'm actually going to do some work today". But end up just wasting the entire day browsing forums, etc.

It's not as if I don't have anything to do. I have a 'to-do list' with about 15 things on, but never seem to get around to ticking anything off.

Any tips or advice you could give, to help me stay on track?

I'm talking about web development here btw.

**kasrak** · 07-18-2006, 07:32 PM

Well, when I start procrastinating too much, I just take out the ethernet cable from my computer so I can't get onto the Internet. That usually helps me concentrate on developing whatever it is I'm developing.

**imported_Regal** · 07-18-2006, 07:43 PM

Generally how I work is I have large goals, and small goals. They act as milestones for my list of things to do.

The large goals will be my large plans, the big picture, the grand scheme. By sorting out these goals, it gives me a sense of perspective on where exactly I want to go.

The small goals are set up so that I actually reach the large goals. These are all the day to day tasks I need to complete. With the proper planning, I can often put myself into auto-pilot mode, because I know exactly what I need to be working on, and what's coming up next.

I found that when I just had one long list, I would procrastinate because I had no clue where to start. By setting solid goals though for each day, I was able to force myself into a routine.

To meet the goals though, day to day, there really is no easy answer. Find out what works for you. I find that whatever I do first thing in the morning sets the mood for the rest of my day. So for me, I can't surf forums or any websites in the morning, I have to do at least some work right away. Then I can take breaks later, and find it easier to jump back into the work.

**imported_Think** · 07-18-2006, 08:32 PM

Make sure you're getting enough play time. When I start slacking I will immediately stop, get up and do something FUN. If I don't I end up wasting more time and churning out lower quality work.

**Indy** · 07-18-2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Think

Make sure you're getting enough play time. When I start slacking I will immediately stop, get up and do something FUN. If I don't I end up wasting more time and churning out lower quality work.

That's what I'm trying to avoid.

I'm spending too much time browsing forums, playing games, etc. Rather than actually doing some work.

**imported_Think** · 07-18-2006, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indy

That's what I'm trying to avoid.

I'm spending too much time browsing forums, playing games, etc. Rather than actually doing some work.

That's not enough. Those things are just convenient distractions from something you aren’t motivated enough to do. You need to build a surplus in your internal fun-account. Go out with your friends, ride a roller coaster, hit the clubs, go to a bar, see a historical site or a natural wonder, go out on a date, go for a long drive, go see a movie, go play cards with friends, go to the beach, get a massage, test-drive a really nice car, take a vacation... you get the idea. Aggressive fun - not just passive distraction.

**imported_Regal** · 07-18-2006, 10:16 PM

balance is good, but sometimes you just need to work your a$$ off too. :taz:

**Atomm** · 07-18-2006, 10:24 PM

For me personally, I had to get pissed off at how much time I was wasting "trying" to build sites and not actually finishing a single project. I still have my moments, but I keep a list and try to stick to it.

I'll see in a few more weeks if it pays off.

I like the small goals idea. I started something similiar by accident. I prioritize my sites. Then, I create todo lists for each site. I take site priority one, then open up the todo list and start digging in. It has helped to focus my attention at the least.

**Hexation** · 07-18-2006, 10:28 PM

This has been happening to me the last few days sadly. Well that and it has been almost 100 degrees in my room the past few days, and no money for air conditioner. I had to spend all my money on college books.

**Hoang** · 07-18-2006, 10:30 PM

It's hard to stay focused when you have all those games and goodies on the same computer you use to work on. I have the same problem and it messes me up sometimes because I miss deadlines and don't get any work done.

**cpvr** · 07-19-2006, 12:53 AM

I usually just put on my headphones and make sure they're up enough, so I can block out all noise and focus on work.

**lyndoman** · 07-19-2006, 01:01 AM

To be honest, I don't think I do. I try to take ADD tests but always get distracted.

The best thing is to do something you absolutely love. If you don't throw back the bed sheets, leap out of bed and run to your computer you are in the wrong business.

One good way of keeping focused is not to have children, don't get married or have a girlfriend/boyfriend. Don't have any friends. Move to Canada.

**Mr. Websites** · 07-19-2006, 06:15 PM

You would perform far more effectively if you got rid of those distractions to start with. I would allocate perhaps the first hour doing just that; browsing websites, chatting, etc. Then I would purchase an iced cappuccino or coffee (whatever you prefer), turn on some light music to keep myself awake, and get to work! Award yourself five-minute breaks whenever you feel that you’ve accomplished something, and never be a clock-watcher. I guarantee to you that time will fly, and you will get a lot more done. :thumbup:

**Muhammad Haris** · 07-19-2006, 06:42 PM

The game distracts me a lot and I think I will delete em.