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Comment by cjbprime | Hacker News Reader

You might try something like:

* write down the smallest next possible step towards this goal. It should be something you're very close to knowing how to do already. It doesn't matter if it leaves you still a long away from the ultimate goal.

* set a short timer (e.g. 20 minutes) and work on it until the timer goes off.

* reward yourself with something fun.

* repeat.

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Creatives use this technique (Pomodoro) to overcome procrastination and stay effective to achieve their goals.

I have a video discussing using this technique with Agile Scrum. As a developer, we can borrow ideas from other disciplines! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCPTc79oVg8

I'm a big fan of writing down micro-goals, and then crossing them out when I get it done. Even if it's badly done, that just leads to another micro-goal, which is to improve it in some specific way. Sometimes when I do something that is not on the list, maybe I was too lazy to write it down as a micro-goal, I will then make a note of it, just so I can cross it out. It makes such a big difference to my day to be able to see a bunch of things crossed out. I am just very forgetful otherwise and don't remember what I did and start to think that I didn't do anything at all.

I'd add to this: * change. if you get stuck, change your world. go for a walk, get fresh eyes. put a few plants on your desk... or take some away. Sometimes you need to mentally bump your mind out of a rut to see why you were stuck in a dead end loop that made you give up.

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