What to work on today?
Paul Graham wrote a great article about how to find out what to work on out of your many ideas by using a signal, what you think about in the shower [1]. Rather than working out what to do by thinking, you just pay attention to what your mind and body is already telling you.
Recently I’ve had no problem working out what I need to work on as there’s usually something that sticks out as the thing I want to do least. Often this is the one that will offer the most value, but there’s something putting me off.
Other times it will be as Paul suggests, the idea that keep surfacing when you allow yourself a moment’s contemplation (like in the shower).
Another signal I listen to though is when I find myself hankering after biscuits and coffee. When that happens I have to ask myself, do I really want these things or am I just tired? If I’m tired I’ll sleep; if I’m not tired then perhaps I’m bored. This signal is a wake up call to look at what I’m doing and ask myself whether I’m using my time well or not. Nine times out of ten the best thing for me is just to take a break, and return to the work later when I have more enthusiasm for it.
While it feels bad to stop working I’ve found that when I’ve pushed through these barriers I’ve not achieved much given the amount of time spent. Better to take a break or do something else and return later when true focus is possible.
[1] http://www.paulgraham.com/top.html
