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This is going to sound like I'm an addict, and I probably am, but how do you resist the urge to check social media all around you? I mean I use my phone for 2FA

This is going to sound like I'm an addict, and I probably am, but how do you resist the urge to check social media all around you? I mean I use my phone for 2FA to sign in. The urge is right there. I'm working on my laptop and a build process will take 30-minutes. I'm literally one click to HN, reddit, twitter, NYT, etc. The way I work, I'm a software engineer, has this amplified even more. I feel like going cold turkey is the best approach but I don't know if I have the discipline (or if it's even reasonable to expect a complete behavior change at the drop of a hat). edit: I guess for extra hilarity, how do you justify using HN? It's not as bad as twitter, tik tok, or reddit but it elicits similar mental responses IME.

whalesalad 5y ago
I have gained self-awareness that social media, or any media, does not reward me. It is just a distraction, a pacifier. What am I missing out on? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I am shedding all of that, going down the rabbit hole to the core of my true self. During builds - you are right - it can be tough not to wander off. Train that mindful strength to remain on task. Even a few minutes spent messing around during that downtime is enough to warp your focus and concentration when you return to what you were really doing. HN is a vice, but it is also a fun place to find new stuff and remain on the pulse of our industry.
marcusverus 5y ago
For browsing on PC, there are some pretty solid Chrome extensions that allow you to apply 'anti-procrast' controls that are similar to HN's. Block sites, set max browse time per day, etc. Give "self control" a try (not being snarky, that's the name of the extension). Phone is easier. Just don't keep your phone in your pocket. If you need it for 2FA, that's cool, just leave it far enough away that you can't mindlessly pick it up and start browsing. This might sound like dumb advice, but in my experience it really is sufficient. The hard part is retaining the desire to change, and taking the required action every day. If you're like me and you find behavior change to be tough, check out "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. He'll give you a solid toolkit that makes behavior change MUCH easier.

whalesalad 5y ago

I have gained self-awareness that social media, or any media, does not reward me. It is just a distraction, a pacifier. What am I missing out on? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I am shedding all of that, going down the rabbit hole to the core of my true self. During builds - you are right - it can be tough not to wander off. Train that mindful strength to remain on task. Even a few minutes spent messing around during that downtime is enough to warp your focus and concentration when you return to what you were really doing. HN is a vice, but it is also a fun place to find new stuff and remain on the pulse of our industry.

marcusverus 5y ago

For browsing on PC, there are some pretty solid Chrome extensions that allow you to apply 'anti-procrast' controls that are similar to HN's. Block sites, set max browse time per day, etc. Give "self control" a try (not being snarky, that's the name of the extension). Phone is easier. Just don't keep your phone in your pocket. If you need it for 2FA, that's cool, just leave it far enough away that you can't mindlessly pick it up and start browsing. This might sound like dumb advice, but in my experience it really is sufficient. The hard part is retaining the desire to change, and taking the required action every day. If you're like me and you find behavior change to be tough, check out "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. He'll give you a solid toolkit that makes behavior change MUCH easier.