[vatotemking]

Use procrastination against itself.

So basically, when procrastinating, we tend to justify our inactions: just 1 more minute on Twitter, just one last scroll on my newfeed, lemme just check this subreddit really quick.

With reverse procrastination, you trick your brain into doing your intended task: Ok lemme just open Visual Studio Code and edit this one file then im good, I'll just change this one line of code, I'll just do 5 pushups then i'll stop. Then when you're on your 5th pushup, you say "surprise mr lazy pants, im actually doing 10!"

Once you get to do that one task, try to trick again your brain into doing another simple, easy task and before you know it youre in "the zone".

Maybe it depends on the person, but for me personally, it works pretty good.

Perhaps OP is asking for tools, but no amount of dev tools can help if you dont have the motivation to begin.

[statictype]

Yeah, I tried that. Didn't work for me. I'm too clever for my own tricks.

[elbear]

One thing you can try: actually stop after those 5 push-ups. Actually stop after editing that line of the code.

The idea is that I need to build tolerance for that task. If you keep at it, those 5 push-ups will become so easy that you will feel compelled to do more.

If it's not working, then there's another reason behind the resistance. Maybe what you're trying to do feels pointless. Try to notice your feelings and internal dialogue when you're trying to do that particular thing.

[cheerlessbog]

Or just make the task smaller and smaller. Can’t finish 5? Do 1! Too much? Just get on the floor and hold the position. This strategy can’t fail, as you can always reduce your goal (and next time have to reduce it less)

[elbear]

I agree and it's important, at the same time, not to trick yourself or push yourself. If you don't feel like doing more, don't. With time, you'll want to do more.

[D-Coder]

Right. Eventually the task gets so small, it's easier to do it than to cut it into yet smaller pieces.

[vatotemking]

What's happening is you are procrastinating doing the reverse-procrastinating. haha

You can start by doing something you actually LIKE doing - no tricks.

[ProZsolt]

I usually have my current project opened in Visual Studio Code at a separate desktop, so I can just swipe right and start coding. If there is an easy task I can complete quickly(not a lot of thinking) to hook me in it is pretty efficient.

[TuringNYC]

Why not use both together? I tend to browse Twitter and HN in-between builds, unit-tests, model mini-training, and simulations.

If the blocker is small enough to not be worth a context shift to another work-task, then Twitter/HN are a great mini break.

[maerF0x0]

> to not be worth a context shift

who says Twitter/HN doesnt constitute a context switch? In my experience, though very boring, sitting and waiting for the tests to pass is much more productive than even the slightest diversions. I believe this is due to focus and memory.

[Scarblac]

The problem with that (for Internet addicts) is that that short break then always turns into one and a half hours.

[sbmthakur]

Interesting tip. Additionally, I believe attacking the cause of procrastination can be helpful in the long term. Just asking "Why do I need to check my Twitter feed?" and "Is it more important than the task I am currently tending to?" can go a long way in reducing procrastination.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200121-why-procrastin...

[toomanyrichies]

This reminds me of the "floss one tooth" strategy:

https://www.fastcompany.com/3022830/the-secret-to-changing-y...

[tmaly]

I read this book on micro tasks by the guy that started the one pushup challenge. I have been doing pushups every day for over a year now. It takes a while to make it a habit, but it does work.

[jianzong]

The hardest part of this trick maybe being conscious of our actions while auto-pilot is often the default behavior.