Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

It's all self-discipline. Like a diet, you could eat cake an ice cream every meal, but you'd become fat. You need the self-discipline to limit yourself on the Internet to remain productive.

Another way to lOok at it, depending on what motivates you ... Think in terms of "is mark zuckerberg wasting hours on these stupid forums every day?"




Yeah, the most important thing is not to fall into the trap of saying "Fuck it, today is a wash. I'll do it tomorrow."

No. Today is not a wash. You're going to stay up late and get the work done as punishment, until you learn your lesson.


When you're actually wasted and don't get anything done because of it, staying up late and trying to get work done will not fix it.

In those cases, it's pretty much the opposite. Stop procrastinating and get a nap or some real sleep. Of course, most places reward busywork more than napping, but if you can determine it yourself, you should value productivity over looking productive.

One positive effect of the stay-up-late-until-you-get-it-done part is that it will make you not care and implement the simple solution that you thought wouldn't work. (In many cases, it actually does).


Emperically that doesn't work - if it did, thousands of college students would not be so late with assignments.


or you will remember your grandfather (or something like that) who woke up everyday extremely early to go to work at the fields, do the same and get things done.


Self discipline is key. No tool can really prevent you from goofing off. Things can help, but it all boils down to you.

One thing that helps me: focus on the good feeling when you accomplish something and think about how you're going to get there.

Also I have a framed picture of this - http://www.someecards.com/workplace-cards/when-work-feels-ov...


terrible message of that picture, completely wrong way of motivating yourself to accomplish something positive in life.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: