Concentration is More Than a Game

I hate to but something above Deb’s most excellent post, so you should be sure to read that if you haven’t.

After that, via Rob comes this post of tips for concentration.

Some of this I already knew, because it’s part and parcel of good software project and programmer management.  If you don’t promote an environment where people can establish and maintain good stretches of concentration, you won’t have as productive, high quality development going on. 

I can attest to the time it takes to get into what we call the zone, and the ease with which that can be shattered, even by your own actions.  I often won’t even try to get back in, once I’m out.  I can also attest to the value of deadlines.  It generally makes me get done what is needed, and well, rather than letting it slide.  However, it sometimes makes me give up, or find a reason it can be ignored or extended.

Sometimes I think my worst work habits are a hangover from my education.  I’m one of those annoying people who can do well in most things almost effortlessly.  That should have meant I appreciated that there were fewer things I had to work hard at, and learned to apply myself effectively where needed.  It actually meant that I resented the things I had to work hard at, and generally didn’t.  That results in the A and F effect.

That and I work like an artist and a geek.  I rely on bouts of inspiration and creativity, I get bored and almost have to have more than one thing to work on concurrently, and I require zoning - heavy, undistracted concentration - for things some people might not.

But I digress.

Posted by on 08/01 at 08:06 AM

Next entry: Tech Blogging

Previous entry: The Confusion of Causes and Cures

<< Back to main