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I think it's normal. Even highly productive people go through slumps where they can barely muster the strength to stare at the screen, let alone get any actual
by dorkwood 6y ago
I think it's normal. Even highly productive people go through slumps where they can barely muster the strength to stare at the screen, let alone get any actual work done. My secrets for regaining some of that strength at the end of a work day:
- Work on things that interest you. Sounds simple, but a lot of people screw this one up. They'll work on things they think they're supposed to be working on, or they'll brainstorm the most lucrative ideas they can think of and work on those. For most people, this kills motivation. Give yourself a treat and work on that thing you're curious about but that other people think is a waste of time.
- Drink a sugary beverage. This one runs counter to all modern dietary advice, but was my secret technique for a good number of years. Next time you have an idea you want to work on but it feels impossible to focus, try downing a can of soda. Thank me later.
- Create a productivity playlist. This was my other secret technique. This can be as simple as a single album that you leave on repeat while you work. Doesn't matter if it has lyrics or whatever. Just needs to be something that your brain is extremely familiar with. If you do this often enough, listening to that music can help you get back in the zone when you're out of it.
- Finally, go easy on yourself. Peaks and troughs are common. If you're in a trough, give yourself space to relax and do nothing, and have faith that the motivation will return one day soon.
- madamelic 6y agoI like this list so I'll add one I've adopted recently & seems to be working. - Small victories. Rather than jumping immediately to your big giant task, build up to it with small victories. Brush your teeth, wipe down the counters, something small that's quick to do. While I do this, I remind myself "small victories". I build up a few of these (make the bed, brush my teeth, clean up the kitchen) then move onto my computer tasks for the day. If I am feeling defeated, I start back at small victories: put the dog leash away, clean off my desk, etc. Definitely hokey and weird, but it's all about momentum and building up activation energy (stealing from another post).
- huge87 6y agoNot hokey at all. It's basically a Kaizen approach to your personal life. "Take small steps/actions", or something like that. Works for me. I have to be very careful about how I expend my energy, while being aware that many things demand my effort. So everything gets broken down into pieces, and no piece is too small. I'm getting into Lego as a hobby, and if I'm too tired I'll just do a step. It may or may not lead to more, but there it is. I like sim racing too, so if I'm too tired to race, I'll boot up the sim and do a few practice laps. Or just one, whatever.