Coding matters: The missing get-up-and-go

Get up and go: Cartoon of a lightbulb with arms and legs plugging itself into a wall socket.

I nearly didn’t write this post. I had nothing to write about. My get-up-and-go got up and went. In fact, it fled like the devil was chasing it, and is now in deep hiding under an assumed name.

I take pride in my work ethic, my ability to manage my time, to get work done. My get-up-and-go is usually a bit like an athlete on steriods. But it’s that time of year. There is still lots of work that we must finish before the end of the year. But we’ve been at it since January, and most of us are tired. We are close enough to the end of the year to start daydreaming about taking a break.

My solution is to consciously use some time management techniques. If you are feeling as sluggish as I am, they might help you too. If not, perhaps you’ve got some ideas for me.

The to-do list

I’m a listophile. That’s not actually a word, but it should be. I like to make lists, especially to-do lists. I’ve used a variety of apps, but I like the physical act of scratching off something on a piece of paper.

I have lots of lists: from goals to weekly and daily to-do lists. I believe that lists can increase productivity and reduce stress. Like project plans, it helps to break down big tasks into smaller ones. I like to mark what’s most important, and have a rough estimate of how long each task will take. That estimate is just for me, so that I am more realistic about what I can accomplish.

I also like to know which tasks are "time-fillers": ideal for when my energy levels are low, or I only have a short window of time.

Sometimes I just write out all the to-do things cluttering my head on scrap paper. Then I organise and prioritise. It’s also the easiest way to plan. A project plan is really just a to-do list with some extra information.

The Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro technique is the best way I know to stop procrastination and distraction.

The basis of this method is that you have timed, focused work sessions, followed by short breaks. The original method uses a 25 minute session, followed by a 5 minute break. Each session is called a pomodoro. After 4 sessions, you take a longer break.

Pomodoro is the Italian word for tomato. According to Wikipedia, Francesco Cirillo developed this technique in the late 1980s. He used a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato, hence the name.

The value in the method lies in the commitment to do nothing else during the timed session. No emails, no conversations, no getting up to make tea. I don’t believe that the time period has to be a certain length. I choose what I think will work for me, given the task. I’ve used 45 minute sessions to get tax returns done. I’ve used 10 minute sessions to help someone else develop focus.

Often I find that, once I get through one session, I don’t need the timer. I’ve then developed enough focus to finish the task.

Stand on your head

Please don’t – you might hurt something! But a short walk or a bit of stretching helps to clear the cobwebs. Physical activity increases blood circulation to the brain and body. Standing on your head will definitely get the blood to your brain, but there are easier ways.

If all else fails, I eat chocolate. Actually I eat chocolate even if everything works, so that’s not a useful technique. Are you feeling listless? How are you getting through the tasks for the rest of the year? Please share your thoughts.

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