Do you ever get so engrossed in solving problems that you lose all track of time? That is how it works out for me many times. I get so focused on completing the current problem that I lose all track of time. It’s nice to be able to concentrate like that, but it can sure get me into trouble.
In fact, I’m not sure this editorial is going to make my deadline for the newsletter. This kids and the wife went to bed. The house is quite. And, I can now go and finish that hand rolled ORM I’ve been trying to complete today. I get it all done and look down at my clock, and I’m 30 minutes late.
There are some good and bad things with this kind of concentration. On the pro side, you can get a lot of stuff done in a shorter period of time, and the quality can be higher, depending on your personality. On the con side, it can be selfish when you work with others. Being late for meetings does not respect the other persons time. It isn’t good for your health to make a steady diet of long periods of work. You need to get up frequently, especially if you sit while you’re working.
One thing I have seen recommended is to work in sprints throughout the day. Handle phone calls, conversations, etc. Then, set aside the next period as a concentrated time to get things done. This even works when you are on front line support. You take time to go to the restroom. Why not take time to get some priority stuff completed as well. Of course, balance is important as well.
Tell me what you think? Have you tried working in concentrated sprints? Does it work for you?
Cheers,
Ben