Plan, Then Build.

Its an awkward one this.  We don’t like to admit it, but as developers or programmers sometimes we just pull a blank card.

You can’t shift into gear. You can’t quite pick yourself up. You’re neurons are just not firing right.

Other metaphors.

You’re trying to, but its just not kicking off for you. 

Get off facebook
You’re bored, because it’s not happening for you, but close that browser. To others, this will look like work-dodging. We don’t want to perpetuate the impression that as computer geeks, we only do what we HAVE to do and nothing more.

Make a cuppa
Tea, coffee, another suitable drink that will just perk you up a touch.

Put on some tunes
This is only really helpful if you like working to music, if you don’t then its kind of worth side-stepping this.

Stop worrying about it
Panicking is the worst thing you can do at the moment, it won’t help you clear your mind.

Step away from the keyboard
Get up. If you can get some fresh air, that’ll help.  Try not to think about much of anything, this is all about being able to focus, but you’ve already been trying to force it, and that hasn’t worked out for you.   If you can’t, turn your screen (or screens) off.

Pseudocode / Wireframing
Its work. But, it’s not like real work. Scribble. Grab a pen, bit of paper, look away from your screen and try to draw or write down a couple of your problems.  You might even scribble a page layout (here’s one i prepared earlier).

The pen and paper is a much-overlooked device, especially by programmers. Ever notice how arty types carry around things like moleskines?  This is because inspiration hits at the most inconvenient times, and also because sometimes they need to work, away from the computer.

I see myself as a developer, but I sincerely believe that development or programming of any kind is really a creative job.  

You have to find a solution, something that works, and you’re most pleased when you know the bit of code you’ve just done is achieved in the fewest lines possible, and will cause no unnecessary CPU overheads… beautiful code.

It’s all about managing well to get the best from yourself…