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> Normally my brain is thinking 10 different things at one time. It is fairly difficult for me to focus (more so since I work at an office that has 5 TVs that I can see, and a couple of channels I can hear).

I think a part of the reason why programmers prefer working late hours (late as in after 12 in the night) is that the brain is sufficiently tired as to not be able to jump all over the place. You'd focus on one thing : Your code.



Or you think you are focusing on code, and just are too tired to notice context-switches or general slowness.


The illusion of productivity can actually increase productivity.

The feeling of gettings things done motivates. Even when that feeling is an illusion.

So what if it actually took 4 hours: if it feels like 30 minute, its easy to invest another "30 minutes".


@latch

Yes. I believe it helps with motivation, which for some people, like myself for example, is often the bottleneck of productivity.

Off course, others may have more intrinsic motivation, or just more discipline.

But if you are lazy like me, it helps a lot. Whenever i reach that point, i get into a zone, and just keep going and going. Im not working better, or more effectively, im just more motivated, and end up investing more time and effort.


You believe that the "illusion of productivity" brought on by fatigue can actually make you more productive than rest/sleep?




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