An ADHD body double is a person who provides a supportive, non-judgmental presence for someone with ADHD while they work on tasks. Their mere presence can help improve focus, motivation, and accountability, making it easier to start and complete tasks that might otherwise feel overwhelming. The body double doesn't actively participate in the task itself but acts as a silent, grounding influence, minimizing distractions and helping maintain focus. This technique can be helpful for various activities, from chores and work projects to creative endeavors, offering a simple yet effective strategy to manage ADHD-related challenges.
Side projects offer a unique kind of satisfaction distinct from professional work. They provide a creative outlet free from client demands or performance pressures, allowing for pure exploration and experimentation. This freedom fosters a "flow state" of deep focus and enjoyment, leading to a sense of accomplishment and rejuvenation. Side projects also offer the opportunity to learn new skills, build tangible products, and rediscover the inherent joy of creation, ultimately making us better, more well-rounded individuals, both personally and professionally.
HN commenters largely agree with the author's sentiment about the joys of side projects. Several shared their own experiences with fulfilling side projects, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic motivation and the freedom to explore without pressure. Some pointed out the benefits of side projects for skill development and career advancement, while others cautioned against overworking and the potential for side projects to become stressful if not managed properly. One commenter suggested that the "zen" feeling comes from the creator's full ownership and control, a stark contrast to the often restrictive nature of client work. Another popular comment highlighted the importance of setting realistic goals and enjoying the process itself rather than focusing solely on the outcome. A few users questioned the accessibility of side projects for those with limited free time due to family or other commitments.
Paul Graham advises aspiring startup founders to relentlessly pursue their own curiosity. He argues that the most successful startups are built by founders deeply passionate about solving a problem they personally experience. Instead of chasing trends or abstract notions of good ideas, Graham encourages builders to work on what truly interests them, even if it seems niche or insignificant. This genuine interest will fuel the sustained effort required to overcome the inevitable challenges of building a company. By focusing on their own curiosity and building something they themselves want, founders are more likely to create something truly valuable and novel.
HN users largely agree with Paul Graham's advice to focus on what truly compels you and to avoid prestigious but ultimately unsatisfying paths. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of choosing passion projects over seemingly "better" opportunities, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment. Some highlighted the difficulty in identifying what truly interests you, suggesting exploration and experimentation as key. A few cautioned against blindly following passion without considering practicalities like financial stability, advocating for a balance between pursuing interests and ensuring a sustainable livelihood. The idea of "keeping your horizons narrow" to focus deeply resonated with many, although some interpreted this as focusing on a specific problem within a broader field rather than limiting oneself entirely. Finally, some users discussed the role of luck and privilege in being able to pursue unconventional paths.
Tynan's 2023 work prioritization strategy centers around balancing enjoyment, impact, and urgency. He emphasizes choosing tasks he genuinely wants to do, ensuring alignment with his overall goals, and incorporating a small amount of urgent but less enjoyable work to maintain momentum. This system involves maintaining a ranked list of potential projects, regularly re-evaluating priorities, and focusing on a limited number of key areas, currently including fitness, finance, relationships, and creative pursuits. He acknowledges the influence of external factors but stresses the importance of internal drive and proactively shaping his own work.
HN users generally agreed with the author's approach of focusing on projects driven by intrinsic motivation. Some highlighted the importance of recognizing the difference between genuinely exciting work and mere procrastination disguised as "exploration." Others offered additional factors to consider, like market demand and the potential for learning and growth. A few commenters debated the practicality of this advice for those with less financial freedom, while others shared personal anecdotes about how similar strategies have led them to successful and fulfilling projects. Several appreciated the emphasis on choosing projects that feel right and avoiding forced productivity, echoing the author's sentiment of allowing oneself to be drawn to the most compelling work.
Daale.club is a simple web app delivering a daily dose of Pitbull wisdom. It pulls a random lyric from Pitbull's extensive discography and presents it on a clean, minimalist webpage, offering a moment of Mr. Worldwide's unique brand of inspiration each day. The app aims to provide a lighthearted start to the day or a quick motivational boost with a touch of humor.
HN commenters generally found the "Mr. Worldwide Wisdom" app amusing and well-executed. Several praised its simplicity and the surprising effectiveness of randomly pairing Pitbull lyrics with stock photos. Some suggested improvements, like adding a share button or integrating more Pitbull content, such as music videos or interviews. A few users expressed confusion about the purpose or value, questioning whether it was intended as satire. Others debated the actual wisdom or lack thereof in Pitbull's lyrics, with some arguing for his underlying positivity and others finding it superficial. The overall sentiment was lighthearted appreciation for a fun, quirky project.
Body doubling utilizes the presence of another person, either virtually or in-person, to enhance focus and productivity, particularly for tasks that individuals find challenging to initiate or complete independently. This technique leverages accountability and shared work sessions to combat procrastination and maintain motivation, particularly beneficial for those with ADHD, autism, or other conditions impacting executive function. The website, BodyDoubling.com, offers resources and a platform to connect with others for body doubling sessions, highlighting its effectiveness in overcoming procrastination and fostering a sense of shared purpose while working towards individual goals.
Hacker News users discussed the effectiveness of body doubling, with many sharing personal anecdotes of its benefits for focus and productivity, especially for those with ADHD. Some highlighted the accountability and subtle social pressure as key drivers, while others emphasized the reduction of procrastination and feeling less alone in tackling tasks. A few skeptical commenters questioned the long-term viability and potential for dependency, suggesting it might be a crutch rather than a solution. The discussion also touched upon virtual body doubling tools and the importance of finding a compatible partner, along with the potential for it to evolve into co-working. Some users drew parallels to other productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method, and there was a brief debate about the distinction between body doubling and simply working in the same space.
Struggling with depression and a sense of aimlessness after dropping out of college, the author found solace and direction through Math Academy, an intensive summer program. The structured environment, challenging curriculum, and supportive community helped him rediscover his love for learning and build confidence. He credits the program with pulling him out of a dark place, fostering a sense of accomplishment, and ultimately setting him on a new path toward a fulfilling career in programming. The rigorous mathematical focus provided not just knowledge, but crucial problem-solving skills applicable beyond academia, reigniting his passion and giving him a renewed sense of purpose.
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to the original blog post. Several commenters shared similar experiences of feeling lost and directionless, echoing the author's "valley of despair." Some discussed the benefits of structured learning environments like Math Academy, particularly for those who thrive on rigorous intellectual challenges. Others praised the author's vulnerability and honesty. A few commenters questioned the accessibility and cost of such programs, suggesting alternative resources like community college or online courses. Some also debated the focus on "elite" institutions, advocating for broader access to quality education. Finally, a couple of users expressed skepticism about the long-term effectiveness of bootcamps in general, while acknowledging the author's positive experience.
The core message of "Just Write" is to overcome the paralysis of perfectionism and the fear of judgment by simply starting to write. Don't get bogged down in elaborate outlines or editing; instead, prioritize consistent writing practice to develop your skills and discover your voice. The more you write, the easier it becomes, and the better your writing will be. Embrace imperfection, focus on quantity over quality initially, and view writing as a process of iterative refinement. Over time, this consistent effort will lead to significant improvement and unlock your creative potential.
Hacker News users generally agreed with the core message of "Just Write," emphasizing the importance of consistent writing for skill development and idea generation. Several commenters shared their personal experiences with writing streaks and the positive impact it had on their clarity of thought and ability to articulate ideas. Some cautioned against focusing solely on quantity over quality, suggesting a balance is needed. The idea of lowering the bar for publishing, embracing imperfection, and iterating based on feedback was also discussed. One commenter pointed out the parallels between writing and coding, highlighting the iterative nature of both. Another popular sentiment was the importance of finding a niche and writing about topics that genuinely interest the author.
Even if no one reads your blog, it's still valuable. Writing clarifies your thinking, solidifies your understanding of a topic, and acts as a personal record of your intellectual journey. It can serve as a sandbox for experimenting with ideas, a portfolio to showcase skills, and a springboard for future projects. Essentially, blogging is an act of learning and self-improvement, with the potential bonus of connecting with an audience down the line.
HN commenters largely agree with the author's premise that blogging, even without a large audience, has value. Several highlight the benefits of writing as a way to clarify thinking, consolidate knowledge, and improve writing skills. Some suggest that a blog can serve as a personal knowledge base, searchable archive, or a way to track personal growth. A few practical suggestions include focusing on niche topics and promoting the blog through relevant communities. The idea of writing primarily for oneself, with the potential for an audience as a secondary benefit, is a recurring theme. Some commenters share their own experiences of low-traffic blogs providing unexpected value, like attracting job offers or connecting with like-minded individuals. The overall sentiment is that the intrinsic rewards of blogging often outweigh the pressure of building a large readership.
The author describes how they inadvertently trained themselves to equate effort with negative outcomes. Starting with a challenging physics class, they developed a belief that trying hard and still failing was worse than not trying at all. This self-protective mechanism spread to other areas of their life, leading to procrastination and avoidance of difficult tasks. Eventually, they recognized this pattern of self-sabotage and began the process of unlearning it by reframing failure as a necessary step in learning and growth, and focusing on the process rather than solely on outcomes. They began tackling challenging tasks, celebrating small victories, and gradually rebuilding their self-confidence.
HN commenters largely agreed with the author's premise that negative self-talk and a focus on potential failure can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Several shared similar experiences of psyching themselves out or developing learned helplessness. Some suggested techniques to combat this, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), positive self-talk, and focusing on small wins. One commenter pointed out the link between the article's concept and the idea of "locus of control," emphasizing the importance of feeling agency over one's actions. Another questioned the framing of "conditioning," suggesting it implied a more passive process than the conscious, albeit negative, choices described. A few comments also discussed the potential evolutionary basis for negativity bias and its role in risk avoidance.
TabBoo is a browser extension designed to deter procrastination by injecting random jumpscares into websites the user designates as distracting. It works by periodically displaying startling images, chosen from a curated selection or uploaded by the user, on blacklisted sites. This aims to create a negative association with those sites, making them less appealing to visit and thus boosting productivity. The extension offers customization options for jumpscare frequency and image selection, allowing users to tailor the experience to their needs.
Hacker News commenters generally found TabBoo's concept amusing, but impractical for serious self-control. Several pointed out the ease with which one could simply disable the extension or avoid the targeted sites altogether if motivation was truly lacking. Some suggested alternative approaches like website blockers, while others joked about the potential for misuse or the psychological implications of negative reinforcement. A few expressed interest in the technical implementation, particularly the use of AI-generated jumpscares. Overall, the comments lean towards seeing TabBoo as a novelty rather than a robust solution for procrastination.
Ron Garrett reflects on six failed startup attempts, rejecting the label of "failure" and instead focusing on the valuable lessons learned. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right co-founder, validating ideas early and often, building a minimum viable product (MVP) quickly, and iterating based on user feedback. Marketing and distribution proved crucial, and while passion is essential, it must be coupled with a realistic market and sustainable business model. Ultimately, he learned that "failing fast" and adapting are key to entrepreneurial growth, viewing each setback as a stepping stone toward future success.
HN commenters largely praised the author's vulnerability and honesty in sharing their startup failures. Several highlighted the importance of recognizing sunk cost fallacy and knowing when to pivot or quit. Some questioned the framing of the experiences as "failures," arguing that valuable lessons and growth emerged from them. A few commenters shared their own similar experiences, emphasizing the emotional toll of startup struggles. Others offered practical advice, such as validating ideas early and prioritizing distribution. The prevailing sentiment was one of empathy and encouragement, acknowledging the difficulty of entrepreneurship and the courage it takes to try repeatedly.
James Shore envisions the ideal product engineering organization as a collaborative, learning-focused environment prioritizing customer value. Small, cross-functional teams with full ownership over their products would operate with minimal process, empowered to make independent decisions. A culture of continuous learning and improvement, fueled by frequent experimentation and reflection, would drive innovation. Technical excellence wouldn't be a goal in itself, but a necessary means to rapidly and reliably deliver value. This organization would excel at adaptable planning, embracing change and prioritizing outcomes over rigid roadmaps. Ultimately, it would be a fulfilling and joyful place to work, attracting and retaining top talent.
HN commenters largely agree with James Shore's vision of a strong product engineering organization, emphasizing small, empowered teams, a focus on learning and improvement, and minimal process overhead. Several express skepticism about achieving this ideal in larger organizations due to ingrained hierarchies and the perceived need for control. Some suggest that Shore's model might be better suited for smaller companies or specific teams within larger ones. The most compelling comments highlight the tension between autonomy and standardization, particularly regarding tools and technologies, and the importance of trust and psychological safety for truly effective teamwork. A few commenters also point out the critical role of product vision and leadership in guiding these empowered teams, lest they become fragmented and inefficient.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43597425
HN commenters generally agree that body doubling is a helpful technique, not just for those with ADHD. Many share their own experiences with informal body doubling, such as working in coffee shops or libraries, or using online tools like Focusmate. Some highlight the accountability and reduced procrastination it provides, while others emphasize the social aspect and feeling of shared purpose. A few express skepticism, questioning whether it's a genuine solution or just a temporary crutch, and suggest addressing underlying issues instead. There's also discussion about the importance of finding the right body double, as personality and work style compatibility can significantly impact effectiveness. Finally, several commenters offer alternative strategies for focus and productivity, like the Pomodoro Technique and binaural beats.
The Hacker News post titled "The ADHD body double: A unique tool for getting things done" generated several comments discussing the concept of body doubling and its effectiveness, particularly for individuals with ADHD.
Many commenters shared personal anecdotes about their positive experiences with body doubling. They described how the presence of another person, even if not actively participating in the task, helped them maintain focus and overcome procrastination. Some attributed this to increased accountability, while others emphasized the social aspect and the reduction of feelings of isolation. One commenter likened it to having a "coworking buddy" and highlighted the motivational boost it provides. Another mentioned how simply having someone else in the room, even if engaged in their own work, created a sense of shared purpose and minimized distractions. A parent of a child with ADHD shared their success with body doubling for homework, noting a significant improvement in the child's focus and productivity.
Several commenters also discussed the different forms body doubling can take. Some found success with virtual body doubling, using online platforms or video calls to connect with others. Others preferred in-person sessions, emphasizing the importance of non-verbal cues and shared physical presence. Some commenters highlighted the flexibility of the technique, noting that it can be adapted to various situations and preferences. One commenter suggested that even background noise, like that of a coffee shop, could provide a form of passive body doubling.
Some commenters delved into the possible reasons behind body doubling's effectiveness. They speculated that it might help regulate attention, reduce anxiety, and provide external structure for those who struggle with internal regulation. One commenter linked it to the Pomodoro Technique, suggesting that the structured time intervals and breaks inherent in both methods contribute to increased focus.
A few commenters mentioned potential downsides, such as the logistical challenges of finding a consistent body double and the potential for dependency. However, the overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenters expressing enthusiasm for the technique and encouraging others to try it. Some even shared resources and tips for finding body doubling partners or accessing virtual platforms.