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A receipt printer cured my procrastination (laurieherault.com)

1255 points by laurieherault · 413 days ago · 603 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses the author's struggles with procrastination and how they found a solution by understanding the science of video games and applying it to their daily tasks. They broke down tasks into smaller parts, used sticky notes for feedback, and eventually implemented a receipt printer to streamline the process. This system helped the author increase productivity and consistency. The author also developed custom software to manage tasks and connect it to the receipt printer.

Main themes

  • procrastination
  • productivity
  • task management
  • video game psychology
  • ADHD
  • organization systems
  • technology and productivity
  • habit formation
  • behavioral change

What commenters say

  • Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable parts can help overcome procrastination.
  • Using physical objects like sticky notes or whiteboards can be an effective way to track tasks and provide feedback.
  • Some people may struggle with procrastination regardless of the method used, and it's essential to accept that some tasks may fall through the cracks.
  • Chronic procrastinators may need to experiment with different methods to find what works best for them, and it's unrealistic to expect a perfect organizational system.
  • The use of technology, such as task management software, can be both helpful and overwhelming, depending on the individual's needs and preferences.
  • Limiting the space for tasks, such as on a whiteboard, can help prevent overwhelm and anxiety.
  • Uncertainty and lack of visualization can be significant barriers to completing tasks, especially for complex projects.
  • Procrastination can be a deeply ingrained habit, and overcoming it may require a long-term commitment to changing one's behavior and mindset.