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The problem I found with sticking to using Pomodoros or longer periods (90 minutes) per work is that they work for a short while. After a couple of days or max. a few weeks I plunge back into my old self.

Using self-discipline techniques help in the short term, but in the long term I find them harmful. Because after a while of dedication, I feel exhausted and kinda burnt-out.

It's true that working for the time you allocated removes guilt. It's true that setting aside a fixed amount of time for working makes you more efficient.

If I could only find a way to sustain this kind of movement. One thing I've seen working is listening to easy-listening music. After quieting down my brain, I have much more self-discipline and focus.



I find the Pomodoro technique much too confusing and detailed.

Whenever I'm in an impossible procrastinating mood (and I feel that this is what is: a mood) I put e.ggtimer.com to the minimum amount of time I really think I can put together. Usually by the timer is gone I have to reset it and keep working. If I'm really getting into a good place, I increase the time, if it seems I'm going to be done soon, I decrease it.

Reasonable expectations.

> Using self-discipline techniques help in the short term, but in the long term I find them harmful.

This seems a case of Stockdale's Paradox: http://ndoherty.com/stockdale-paradox/


Thanks for the insight. Could you please elaborate on the Stockdale's Paradox.

I researched the topic but couldn't understand the connection with me finding self-discipline techniques harmful.

Should I not lose faith and try to find better ways to get my life in order?


To change your habits over the long term it helps to take it really slowly but consistently.




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