2 ms·
Right, I also claim this happens[1], but my observation is that the background thinking only reliably seems to resolve when you step into the metaphorical showe
by marginalia_nu 2y ago
Right, I also claim this happens[1], but my observation is that the background thinking only reliably seems to resolve when you step into the metaphorical shower. If you stay deeply focused on something else instead, the background processing seems to be supplanted with thoughts about the new problem. It's in fact the main reason why I put so much emphasis on stepping away from the work. Whenever I do I come away with a long list of solutions, often at a pace where I'm barely able to write them down before the next one arrives.
[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40482328 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40482328
- tredigi 2y agoYour observation is backed up by modern neuroscience. Effective multitasking is largely a myth. Obviously one can context switch, but every switch comes at a cost. That cost could be hidden by happiness boosts from not having to think about this difficult thing (=pain) and instead do something simpler that feels like lower hanging fruit and gives more immediate gratification (=reward). But the shower you mention is key and can't provide progress on multiple hard things at once. I agree that this is akin to a procrastination strategy and commend you for the analysis and self reflection.