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Comment by rb808 | Hacker News Reader

I have procrastination problems. I have a theory that I haven't heard other people that seems to work for me - its that my brain works too quickly for coding and gets frustrated then moves onto "more interesting distractions". I find I am most productive when I get tired at night, or I'm not feeling well, or I have a few beers.

I love coding and getting in flow state but it just seems much coding is too boring a process.

Could this be true? Or maybe I'm just a classic procrastinator on HN again.

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You're not alone. I don't have an explanation, but I noticed the same thing - getting tired or slightly intoxicated makes it much easier to code the things I have to (as opposed to things I'd like to, e.g. for a side project). I always attributed it to taking the edge off anxiety I often feel.

You are describing attention deficit disorder.

Agreed. I was recently (6 months) diagnosed as an adult with ADHD. The experiences of the parent are in line with mine.

Yep, just diagnosed a week ago at age 38. If you did well enough in school, and have the inattentive-type ADHD, it's really easy for it to get missed in childhood.

If you were smart enough to coast through school despite your procrastination and attention issues, definitely go see a psych for an evaluation.

Wow I never considered, maybe I should talk to them.

The Wender-Utah scale for adult ADD is available online, and could give you a firmer indication, though obviously this is something you would want a medical professional to confirm and help you treat.

Works too quickly or gets distracted too easily?

I find I'm the same way, but wouldn't characterize it as more quickly. I can work on something with little to show for it all day. Then I get tired, sit in bed with the laptop and it comes easily. I think this has contributed to me being a night owl, because I just get more done at night.

See siblings - ADHD is very treatable, and treatment is life-changing.

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