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The solution to losing focus as a developer
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The solution to losing focus as a developer

joepie91joepie91 Member, Patron Provider
edited November 2012 in General

I've been trying to get back my focus on developing that I used to have, my "being in the zone" so to say, for a while now - and tonight I thought of something, and it worked! I decided to think back to the last time I was really focused on programming, which was in 2005, and looked up the music I listened to back then - this turned out to be stuff like Armin van Buuren. And guess what, I was able to focus like I used to again!

Tl;dr if you're having issues focusing as a developer, try removing all distractions (IRC clients, forum tabs, etc), and play some music from the last time you could really focus on programming and enjoy it - maybe it'll help for you too :)

Comments

  • This seems to apply to homework as well.

  • Changing up music is always good - the Tron soundtrack always gets me into the coding groove.

    I use Github Issues religiously to maintain direction on projects - it's just too easy to sidetrack when you are first starting out, or stalling when you've been coding for days. I organize milestones, set deadlines, and try to complete them on time.

    Anytime I've been away from a project, or even just having a hard time finding a direction, I usually write integration/unit tests. It feels strange, since I primary develop BDD, but there is always some method that should be tested and I missed somehow, but watching tests pass (and fail :|) gives me an idea what to focus on first.

    And I had to cut out #lowendtalk - absolute productivity killer.

  • It's LET here, but just get yourself a pair of Heir Audio 4AI. Does wonders :)

  • Close the lowendtalk and reddit tabs in my browser.

  • Its all in your head.

    Sounds like its filled with society rather than development.
    development is no harder than breathing. Requires nothing extra.

  • If it's freelance work... downpayment will bring in focus to work....

  • Classical Music, Cigarette, Coffee after lots of sleep.

  • RaymiiRaymii Member
    edited November 2012

    http://www.linux.fm/

    Also, the music thing works well for me too. And a good night sleep, focus is back much more after a well rest.

  • If you want to regain your focus as a developer stay away from the hazy, dazy, crazy, addictive atmosphere of LET/LEB. I did so for a few days and I was very productive.

    As you can see on returning by focus and productivity is beginning to slip.

  • Eliminate distractions of all sorts. Phone, chat, forums, news, etc.

    Music can be very powerful, find what works well for your mind and biology.

    Yes to 8 hours of sleep (get it if you can).

    Avoid stimulants and other short cuts. Ditto for masses of sugar.

    I find a good long walk or some bicycling mid day helps to refocus. I try to run errands like that when I can.

  • Playing Team Fortress 2 will help you gain focus.

  • I drink lots of cups of tea :D

  • @GIANT_CRAB said: Playing Team Fortress 2 will help you gain focus.

    focus on the enemy with a sniper rifle eh :D

  • geekalotgeekalot Member
    edited November 2012

    +1 for closing any chat/im stuff and, sadly, forums like this one and slashdot :(

    haven't done IM for years because of it and was able to get a sh*tload of productivity back. definitely no twitter, etc.

    Also, getting a headset for the phone when coding helps so you can keep typing (in case you have calls you must take)

    damn, gotta leave this forum to code ...... later, lol

  • InfinityInfinity Member, Host Rep

    Yeah, that actually does work, I do it. :)

  • physical exercise

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