Posted by Tamar on December 4, 2005, at 16:23:33
In reply to Re: Tips on working ! » Tamar, posted by Dinah on December 2, 2005, at 11:18:50
> I don't know if you're anything like me. But I have real trouble with the ten to fifteen minute thing. I know it works for a lot of people to break something down, do small bits at a time, and reward themselves after each bit.
>
> But I do my best work when I'm in that "flow" zone, or whatever it is. It's a very hard place to get when I am depressed. I managed to do it last week under the threat of a deadline, but am now so exhausted I can barely think.Yeah, I do tend to find that once I’m in the flow it goes OK. But I know what you mean about the exhaustion. I had a mini-deadline on Friday and I’m now a wreck… and I have another, more major deadline on Friday this week… I need to find some energy from somewhere to get me through another week of this.
When I wasn’t depressed I could keep going for weeks on very little sleep and many hours of intense concentration. I hate being unable to do that.
> I wish I had tips for you, but none of the tips have worked well for me. I guess what's worked best is to eliminate all distractions, and to meditate a bit on the work before starting it. Plan what needs to be done immediately next, and picture myself doing it a few times. Sometimes I also visualize the end goal. Turning in that work in time to save my kiester. Maybe play some lively music like they do at fast food restaurants to get patrons to eat faster. :) Make sure I have plenty of Diet Coke and sugar snacks nearby. I know, bad idea. I'm diabetic too. I'm ever one for short term fixes. Maybe you could be more disciplined than I and substitute high protein snacks.
Self-discipline is not my strong point. When tempted, I yield. So I’ve been eating crackers and popcorn and cheese and salami. So both high carbs and high fat. Could I be any more unhealthy if I tried?
I find I have an urge to eat and drink compulsively when I’m working really hard. I don’t know if it’s anxiety or something. I used to smoke compulsively too, but I recently quit so I’m substituting yet more food. It’s not good.
> I guess I should get focussed on all those small projects I need to complete before the next big project starts. :(
Argh! Small projects are sometimes even harder than big ones.
> Oooh. One other thing. I find it a million times easier to get started in the flow by doing something I do many many times. If I try to do something unfamiliar when I'm depressed or anxious, my mind flitters like a butterfly. But if I start with something familiar and well mastered, I can slip into the proper mode and the momentum will carry me into less familiar territory.
That’s a good idea. I think I’ll try to find something familiar to begin with…
Thanks Dinah.
Tamar
poster:Tamar
thread:583536
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20051130/msgs/585431.html