Puzzles That Motivate (And Those That Don't)

When faced with a difficult logic puzzle (or Sudoku, or similar), I like to solve it by building an integer programming (IP) model. Like doing an easy jigsaw, progress can be seen to be made, the whole picture can be seen once the outline (or model structure) has been built, and it gets easier the end is neared. In contrast, doing such puzzles by hand can often lead down blind alleys and dead ends - even if over half completed. I will frequently just give up on a puzzle in this situation.

If work is viewed as a series of puzzles to be resolved, then this could explain a lot: puzzles that just keep on hitting one insurmountable blockage after another are demotivating for me.

The actionable takeaway from this is a behaviour for when becoming demotivated: brainstorm on how to make the task seem less like a grid with dead ends and more like an easy jigsaw.

Goal Tracker

I have just set up a spreadsheet for tracking regular items and habits are done (or not) each day. It's super simple - even more simple than the Joe's Goals website. The columns are items to be achieved daily, and the rows are dates (each date being +1 from the previous date - so a new date is a quick copy/paste). The top row is frozen, so I will just keep adding new rows at the bottom. The principle is to create a Seinfeld Chain.

Something That Worked!

Normally, before I start work, I spend a lot of time reading news, forums and other stuff. This morning, because I was doing a puzzle that a friend had set, I just got straight on with it and did a solid hour's work on it. I didn't even find out that Wolves had sacked Mick McCarthy until about 13:00. When I look back, the most surprising part was how little I missed all the reading I normally do compulsively.

There is an EXCELLENT blog about the issue of distraction/multitasking here.

Power And Responsibility

I have the power to improve the life experience for my family - and therefore I have the responsibility to do so.

If I start going to bed earlier, then so will my spouse - and the end result will be a happier, healthier family.

Things Moving Along In Slightly Unexpected Ways

Things are progressing well - but not for the reasons I had expected. The lunchtime Windows popup is having very little effect - it has been a while since I stopped for lunch before 14:30 (including jogging days). I have been struggling to get out of bed despite getting to bed relatively early (though I haven't been feeling sleepy during the day).

The thing that has made me MASSIVELY more productive has been reading this blog: it's excellent writing by a consistently excellent author - and the key point is to avoid temptation rather than resisting it. This came as a surprise to me, because I've had success in the past deliberately resisting temptation: I taught myself to resist sugary snacks by putting a tempting piece of chocolate by my keyboard for several hours - and this method worked for a period of time. However - finding ways to practically avoid my being aware of temptations has been very successful indeed for me - and this has been one of my most productive weeks in a long time. This may even partially explain why I need more sleep than usual (though that may be something as simple as the fact that I am recovering from an infection).

I seem to do best when I discover certain new information about either myself or about willpower.

The best time I can remember in terms of health and energy were the times I had to work for a week in California (I am British): for the first few days, I'd be going to bed very early and getting up very early. The good weather there motivates you to get up early and start exercising - which is what I did.

Insprining Programme About Microlights

I watched a truly inspiring TV programme about microlight pilots (link). A reminder that the richest memories come from doing things with friends and family.

Reading This Blog

If I say so myself, it is well written and inspiring!

It might be simple and basic stuff - but it's written in the style and at the level of explanation that is right for me.

Having just re-read it, one thing I am going to do is to re-implement the lunchtime rules - because experience has shown that bad things happen when drifting is permitted:

• restart schedule lunch at 12:00, forfeit if not scheduled by 12:05, and forfeit if work not restarted by 14:00

I am also modifying the morning rules to state that work must be started by 09:00 on pain of STRICTLY ADMINISTERED and IMMEDIATE forfeit. The TV guide will be moved to 08:50.