I’ve been trying to figure out how to consistently harness the power of focus when programming. Some days, I can sit down for 1-2 draft a design and bang my code out. Other times, my head is all over the place, and a task that should take no more than 30 minutes can literally take 2-3 hours (maybe longer than I should admit).
I think there can be many reasons for this. However, one reason that stands out to me is that the computer is so multi-purpose. What I mean by this is that we use the computer to do work, watch movies, play games, surf the web, engage in social media, and FaceTime with friends and family. In this regard, the computer has all these different meanings. And so it’s hard… it’s hard not to indulge in a random (and instant) urge to indulge in our entertainment and social needs.
This is particularly difficult, especially when I get stressed out by homework or a programming task. For example, the other morning I had difficulty with a python library to complete a homework assignment in my security. After some frustration, I decided to go on YouTube and watch a few videos on Bread Tube (a group of left-leaning political pundits). This then led me to go on Reddit peruse a few of my favorite sub Reddits. By the time I came back to the homework assignment, it was already 4pm! I had wasted 4 hours, and now I locked myself into an evening of completing my homework. Not the most ideal situation.
Now there’s nothing wrong with indulging in an internet-related activity after some frustration. That can be helpful to clear your mind. It can be beneficial to distress. But the availability of so much entertainment and social media at your fingertips to distress makes this avenue particularly dangerous. It also only makes me more stressed because now I have less time to spend with friends and more playful and creative endeavors.
How do I channel to more productive forms of distraction, and therefore more healthy coping mechanisms?
For one, I think I need to download a blocker that blocks specific sites such as Cold Turkey. I should also take walks outside to distress. At least with walks, they can be short, and I feel much better by the time I come back.
Another option could also be to limit my entertainment and social media to my phone. You may think this is unhelpful, but I think this is a good idea because it will decouple the computer with entertainment and socializing. This is similar advice to what sleep experts say about limiting your bed to only sleep-related activities. If you go to bed using your phone, you’re less likely to sleep because your bed is now associated with your activities on your phone. Likewise, I am less likely to focus on the computer because it’s related to many other activities.
So overall, I think I’ll:
- Declutter my computer.
- Place certain consumption restrictions.
- Limit social media and entertainment to either my phone or my television.
Hopefully, this will work and will make me a more productive programmer!
