How do you stayed focused on a task when the task involves some type of waiting?

For example, I have a really hard time staying focused at work. The problem for me is, our software can be really really really slow. While I’m waiting for Outlook to load an email, or our internal tooling to populate data, I find my mind is wandering. Often, I’ll start on another task or pick up my phone and just completely forget about the first thing I started.

At the end of the day, I have to figure out why I have 8 half written emails open in the background of my PC.

How do you stay on track when your tasks require patience?

  • xmunk@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    1·
    7 months ago

    1. As a software developer I’ve worked to optimize our tooling to minimize this kind of waiting.

    2. Be transparent about having ADHD and just task switch, keep a rotation of active projects and if one gets blocked just go to the next one.

  • jubilationtcornpone@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    7 months ago

    I have these things I call “Sacred Rituals”.

    Sacred Ritual #2: If it’s in the book (my daily planner) it gets done. If it’s not in the book, it ain’t happening.

    I have yet to find an app that I prefer over an actual physical planner. This year I decided to try a bullet journal and I think I like that format a little better. It works for me because I’m a relentless “box checker” and if I hand write something, I can usually remember it. There’s something kind of satisfying about looking at my agenda and seeing a line through every task at the end of the day.

    • Zorsith@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      1·
      7 months ago

      Planner? You mean the ignored booklet of existential dread? I think most of us have a small pile of them leftover from school that we haven’t gotten around to throwing out.