Ever have this problem?

Here's my problem which doesn't have to do with my code, but with my concentration. Ive been working on this project for work on and of for roughly the last 9 hours, but i spaced out for the last hour or so and ended up with 184 lines of comments in my code all random. Anyways I look forward to hearing what you all have to say and any possible solutions to help with the focus.

I listen to music to try to keep myself on track. I get into the music enough and my mind focuses on what I'm doing and stops wandering.
If I keep getting distracted by the internet and such, I just shut off my wifi on my laptop and focus that way.

Just do what you need to to remove the distraction.

Originally Posted by atom0s

^
Music tends to be a good solution to me aswell at work.
Even tho I need it to be loud so I don't get distracted with my co-workers or phones.

I also tend to take a break from time to time to distract myself (This when I do not enjoy doing what I am doing). Sometimes I go and take a coffe, eat something.
I'd say that a good solution is to take a break from time to time..

Originally Posted by 'Bruno

Thank you for the advice music usually helps me out, but what I needed was some time away from my computer which I didn't want because of the added stress of the deadline I am on.

I've found over time that it can be really beneficial to step back from your IDE and computer in general,grab some paper and drawing equipment and go outside (optional) and draw up the application flow and actually PLAN your application. The amount of times I will burn through a 5 hour programming session and end up with some convoluted crapware which I end up spending ages refactoring anyway is ridiculous; spending some time thinking through the application without actually coding it can lead to a better final solution from the beginning.

Distractions are most common when you don't actually have a point to focus on, which is why planning can help a lot (for me anyway). If I know exactly what I'm aiming to get done and pretty roughly know how I'm going to reach that point, time flies and I don't get distracted as easily.

Another thing you could look at is the Pomodoro technique. Pick a small piece of work, smash it out for X amount of minutes and then take a break. This stops your brain from getting overloaded and going "fuck this shit, I'm done" by spacing out the work into manageable portions.

Music is the kitties titties though. I constantly have my headphones in at work or at home to drown out other noisy people and keep my brain focused.

Originally Posted by Jason

Another thing you could look at is the Pomodoro technique. Pick a small piece of work, smash it out for X amount of minutes and then take a break. This stops your brain from getting overloaded and going "fuck this shit, I'm done" by spacing out the work into manageable portions.

Music is the kitties titties though. I constantly have my headphones in at work or at home to drown out other noisy people and keep my brain focused.

Yup this is exactly what I tried to explain, but it is just not natural to me to explain it in English.
I have to agree on the planning, even tho sometimes "someone" just wants a solution/fix in 2 hours...

Originally Posted by 'Bruno

Obviously there are exceptions

I don't always plan ahead with small programs that I need to "just work", but if I'm building a web application or something I might need to add to later I try to plan ahead so I don't waste time fixing the design later.

Ever have this problem?

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