Focus

Apparently, I took an impromptu 3-week hiatus from this blog. Whoops.

I think I've decided that I'm going to (generally) update this blog three times a week, on Tues/Weds/Thurs. I'm not sure I can keep up a more intense pace.

A big part of what kept me away was work. Since I usually write these posts on my lunch break, it's tough to make the timing work out when I have calls and meetings and stuff to handle. I shoulda put a sign up or something, I guess.

Another part of it is my inability to commit long-term to anything lately. I've developed something I call Internet ADD. I find myself to focus on things for long stretches at a time anymore. It's frustrating; I used to be able to do this. I wonder, though, if maybe it's not an inherent part of my personality. After all, I'm a reasonably creative person and that means having to be able to make nontraditional connections.

Focus is really tough for me. I find environments that are lacking or trying in some ways incredibly detrimental to my productivity. Music really doesn't cut it for me, most of the time. I should try busting out the WAM -- that is, the Mozart, not the George Michael in neon shorts. My colleague loves him music, and he and my other office-mate are wont to play their stuff on the big speakers. Sometimes I like their choices, most of the time I find it killing my productivity slowly.

I also don't really like a lot of strong lighting. I have a strong preference for recess lighting. Lighting in warmer Kelvins -- the 3000-ish range -- with the yellower light, helps keep my headaches away. I also really like just a generally quiet space to work in. People have conversations around me doesn't bother me so much, but when we still had our ping-pong table out, the shouting and flying ping-pong balls were really difficult to contend with.

Finding a way to focus is probably my biggest challenge. Usually what works is a deep-dive immersion step, usually accompanied by a change of location. That's not always feasible, or even the right choice, but it's helped when I need it most. Also helpful: an occasional work-from-home day. My apartment is quiet and my internet is strong. Assuming the construction dudes shut up, I find I can do a pretty solid deep-dive without sacrificing my sanity/comfort.

There has to be a better way. I wonder what it is and how I could find it.