I do wonder how much of this is genetic. I know people who just need less sleep than I do (which I believe is genetic), and they can be more productive than me no matter how hard I try. I just need more time to rest than they do.
After a few hours (5ish) of deep work, I can't think straight, and start overthinking problems. I could probably train myself to go longer, but likely not that much longer. So I wonder if there is a genetic basis to that.
(Although even if there is, I doubt people like John Carmack would understand)
More anecdata, since I've felt both the same way as most of the commenters here, and as Carmack
If I have a bunch of tasks that are part of something interesting and worthwhile to do, and I don't need to meet with people to get them done, I can hang out and work on those tasks for 14 hours no problem. I can keep doing that every day for a really long time too, I don't get burned out.
BUT in the real world that's almost never the case. That's how it worked when I was making unsuccessful SaaS business attempts and drawing down my savings. Now that I'm back in Silicon Valley working for the FANGMAN on a tiny piece of His next attempt at world domination, I get exhausted and burned out pretty quick. I've got maybe 4 good hours of concentrated effort in me per day, it's a struggle to drag myself into the office, the week just crawls by and the weekend is gone in a flash..
>Now that I'm back in Silicon Valley working for the FANGMAN on a tiny piece of His next attempt at world domination, I get exhausted and burned out pretty quick. I've got maybe 4 good hours of concentrated effort in me per day, it's a struggle to drag myself into the office, the week just crawls by and the weekend is gone in a flash..
It helps to disconnect from whatever it is the company is doing and value your time and expertise more. The success of whatever you're working on is not a reflection of you or your skills. Oh that experiment didn't work? That new product feature flopped? Meh, I'm paid by the hour to execute my expertise at my comfortable pace toward their goal regardless of how realistic or achievable it is. Embrace the jira ticket monkey mindset. Don't try to work around the org inefficiencies, embrace and amplify them. Oh I need to wait for some indeterminate time for access/permission? Blocked by another team? Scheduled for stupid meetings sprinkled through the day such that you can't get a proper maker's schedule[1]? The work isn't structured well? The priorities change frequently enough for whiplash? I get paid regardless. So what if my productivity or output is low due to their nonsense? Disconnecting mentally really helps prevent the exhaustion and burnout. Don't try to do the PO's/PM's/Boss' job. It's their money to waste, their dumb decisions to make, and none of it is your concern.
At least for me, a healthy dose of perspective makes it much easier to go into the office; enjoy the amenities, free feed, and getting some social time in. The weather has been fantastic the last few weeks and I've been cycling into work. I save my quality mental focus for other things, including keeping an eye out for gigs and opportunities where it makes sense to mentally connect.
There isnt much about genes. John Carmack is fortunate enough to do what he likes and what he likes seems to generate revenue. When you do something you enjoy and are in control of your own fate believe me you can work longer hours without noticing.
Even the slightest adjustment to your liking can increase your productivity. Thats why people working from home, in a nice environment are more productive than those in a forced environment. Even cattle produce more milk when they are in an environment they like.
Carmack also has no meaningful idea as to how software is actually developed. He was exceptionally fortunate to have found success enough for life in the early 90s. He never had to deal with the real world. I don't know why anyone not in his same privileged as hell position would listen to him on nearly anything he has to say. And I say none of this to put the guy down. He's just not in the position nearly every one of us is.
Mutations in genes known as ADRB1 and DEC2 do indeed exist, and they give the bearers a permanent reduction in amount of time they need to sleep. It is suspected there are more.
I guess my question is: is there a similar genetic basis for ability to hyperfocus for long periods of time without fatigue? Or is it purely something that is developed.
ADHD is likely partly genetic. Savant syndrome is maybe genetic or at least acquired early.
Just requiring less sleep is still a huge advantage though.
After a few hours (5ish) of deep work, I can't think straight, and start overthinking problems. I could probably train myself to go longer, but likely not that much longer. So I wonder if there is a genetic basis to that.
(Although even if there is, I doubt people like John Carmack would understand)