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Motivation to work: non existent. 🙂🙃
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I used to be a lot like that, but as time goes on I have less and less access to hyperfocus. I think it's from burnout and stress and poor sleep.
I feel like my brain is slowly turning to mush, and I really want to retire, but that's like 20 years away lol
I'm heavily reliant on these as well. I can get a week's worth of work done in 5 intensely productive hours, the problem is never being able to plan when I'll get into that flow state. Whenever they hit, I do my best to take full advantage and work as far ahead as possible to safeguard against the slow period that inevitably follows. I wish I had a normal brain.
I don’t know. I look at it as I have 1-2 bursts a week where I work at 150-300% productivity; 10-25% the rest of the week. It helps me to frame it this way so I’m not expecting 150% from myself every time I sit down to work, or considering myself a failure if I can’t while everyone else is acceptably clocking it in at 50-60% usually, no issues. As a manager this works out well since most of my work is client management, sales and project workstream oversight, a lot of moving things along which our brains are great at, in addition to conceptualization/ creative problem-solving type work, where if takes some time and effort for us to organize our thinking and put down on paper. So, I can spend time on those other items when “stuck.” I’m also learning that some of my blocks would be greatly aided by having an assistant for paperwork/ form type of things, which are painful for me, but beyond genAI that’s not always feasible.
Basically I’m like you OP - I also worry about the days I don’t feel I get much done, and sometimes objectively don’t. But I have to remind myself we have different capacities and to not accidentally set super high expectations of ourselves by others, i.e. 150% effort is expected of us as a default and we are considered to be falling short when we put in a ‘typically high’ 80-90% effort, when someone else is getting paid the same amount for putting in 60-70%. Huge lesson learned from my last workplace. I’m someone who enjoys being productive but some people have no scruples and will exploit that where your very high output over time is normalized and not appreciated or even causes issues for you. You’re trapped into the defaults you show up front, so don’t. Reserve. And remember, our brains due to all the procrastination, are very efficient so you may just get more done in 8-10 hours one day than someone might in a week.
I’ve really been struggling with not feeling productive lately so hoping this helps you all as well.
I think as long as you have a job that can function like this run with it! I’m very siloed at work and basically function as my own team and can really set my own timelines which means I can anticipate those surges in productivity or a week of struggling to complete basic tasks. The important thing is to not waste those productivity windows. My biggest complications have come when I use those windows to do something trivial like reorganize my closet (I work from home) instead of on important work projects. The most helpful adjustment for me was accepting this is just how my brain works and leaning into the cycle vs fighting and stressing about it
I function the exact same way. Those hyperfocus windows are like superpowers, but the gaps in between can feel scary. It’s wild how much I’ve built off those bursts. I’ve learned to structure work around them and show results when they hit, even if the process isn’t linear.
My problem is sometimes they'll show up at 5pm and then I'm working until midnight. I also try to assign most projects and tasks to be due the same time in hopes of pressure forcing the focus. It's been a good strategy but I always worry about it not turning on.
Oh my, yes! I feel the same. Not knowing when your next burst of focus will come is so stressful. I'm pretty sure that was a big part of my burn out because I couldn't just walk away from work and hope I could meet deadlines etc. when my spicy brain decided it wants to. I diligently sat in front of my computer trying to to push through and get something done. Then I would be exhausted by the end of the day, not eat, not care for myself, and just go to bed, never getting anything done at home, let alone at work.
I also function the same way. However, I am noticing my career is stalling. So trying to be more consistent with my productivity daily with a 2-3 hour power window to keep my career moving.
I very much operate this way, too. Fortunately, I tend to have small windows every morning, but if I get distracted during that time frame, forget it. I've noticed if I keep a relatively strict routine, it makes it easier. But still some days I just have zero focus whatsoever.
I read about this and can relate but I hit major burnout. There’s a name for it, classic ADHD I forgot what it’s called.