How Do You Maintain Your Work Focus?

chowsapal asks: "I've recently switched from another line of work into computer programming, where I work as a contractor. I'm making more money than I need, and more than I'm used to even working 20 or 25 hours a week. I'd like to work more, and rake in even more money, but sometimes it's hard to stay focused for more than 5 or 6 hours at a time. What do other programmers do to motivate themselves? Do you work a specific set of hours? In a specific location? Are there types of breaks that you find really increase productivity? Does diet and/or coffee consumption make or break the deal? Do you end up working late at night for the quiet? I realize that on some level you just need to suck it up and put in the time, or stop worrying about it and enjoy your time off. However, the question stands: How do you work best outside an office environment?"

Motivation

[Rydia]

Constantly remind myself of my company's small army of trained ninja.

Slashdot!

[Mini-Geek]

Are there types of breaks that you find really increase productivity?

Slashdot

Follow these steps

[Anonymous Coward]

Step 1. Stop reading Slashdot

Step 2. I still haven't gotten past step 1, but when I do, I'll let you know.

Thought exercise

[mortonda]

I keep my attention on task by .... um.... what was the question again?

Seriously, I have the same problem, as a contractor... Some days I'm lucky to get 1 hour billed. OTOH, I have a 14 month old boy that keeps distracting me. :)

Easy answer...

[Anonymous Coward]

127.0.0.1 www.slashdot.org

Re:Follow these steps

[Anonymous Coward]

Step 1. Stop reading Slashdot

Step 2. ???

Step 3. Profit!

Fixed.

Re:Why?

[Anonymous Coward]

I saw the coroner van in front of a $10 million house on Friday. See all the good that money did the dead guy.


Do you live in New Orleans? Maybe it was the coroner's house.

Thank you CowboyNeal

[Anonymous Coward]

Above post made by Cowboyneal sitting at the server console.

Re:Motivation

[__aaclcg7560]

You prefer to be a drone instead of a trained ninja? Your days are numbered.

Re:Motivation

[foniksonik]

It's modded "Funny" but maybe just maybe it's really a cry for help...... = yes 2 ellipses...

Re:Motivation

[blugu64]

I just ask my self with every action, is what I'm doing good for the company

Take up Smoking

[Joe_NoOne]

Take up smoking - then you can have a 20 minute break every hour but be paid for the whole hour. As a bonus you get to piss off us non-smokers that get paid the same as you do for doing 1/3 less work (and that's now you make MORE money!).