But does it really matter? Can I trick myself repeatedly into thinking “productivity” planning is useful towards future grind work? //Can I chase dopamine for hours dreaming about how productive I will be when my CLI timer NO LoNGEr is leaking memory and will avoid crashing the previous amount of 1/8797 times?
YES
Let me tell you, I've been down that rabbit hole. I've spent hours tinkering with my environment, trying to create the perfect future state that will allow for me to work 5 days straight while exicited the whole way. Trying to manipulate the fields of classical physics, sociology, pottery and quantum physics to travel to another universe where I am both as excited as a youth pastor and a genius….But here's the thing: it never works. (Not yet)
remove any tech distractions if you can, lock up your phone, and restrict your computer to only work related tools or otherwise time-limit, increase difficulty, make it harder to go on Wikipedia benders.
Next, use a very low-tech timer or simple simple clock app timer to break up your work into manageable chunks. 30-50 minutes of work with a 5-7 minute break for busy work is a good starting point. But if you're in a task that you can get into a flow state with, then go for as long as you can.
In the end, let's not get too caught up in the productivity game. Instead, let's embrace the chaos and work with it. Remember, productivity is like a wild cat that refuses to be tamed. So, find a space where the context has historically been limited to work, remove and or restrict distractions maximally if possible, and work in somewhat manageable chunks when doing boring busy work stuff and get immersed in your passion work. Oh and no snacks, because because you’re a warrior, warriors don’t have “snacks” while hunting, you chase goals so hard food disgust you.
In the words of my Uncle Billy, "If life gives you lemons and 3d GUIs, make lemonade and watch cats play, then find someone whose life gave them a lunch pail and a text based command line and clock InNN!"