TheOtherDave comments on Share Your Checklists! - Less Wrong

31 Post author: lukeprog 26 May 2012 04:12AM

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Comment author: wedrifid 26 May 2012 04:58:58AM *  18 points [-]

I feel mentally exhausted but can't afford to sleep right now.

  1. Consume modafinil.
  2. Replenish choline (throw in some 'racetam for good measure.)
  3. Sprint.
  4. Eat food.
  5. Repeat step 1 as long as necessary.

I'm procrastinating on task X.

  1. Consume modafinil. (To boost executive function and lower perceived effort of tasks in general.)

I don't want to get out of bed, but I should.

  1. Consume modafinil.

I am feeling run down from pushing myself too hard and consuming too much modafinil.

  1. Consume less modafinil.
  2. Sleep.
  3. Self modify to respond to all instances of "But I can't afford sleep right now" with "Yes I can!"
Comment author: TheOtherDave 26 May 2012 05:23:53AM 2 points [-]

Is there a reason step 3 on that last list isn't also part of the first list?

Comment author: wedrifid 26 May 2012 05:33:07AM *  3 points [-]

Is there a reason step 3 on that last list isn't also part of the first list?

If I don't have time for sleep I don't have time for campaigns of self modification. More to the point when I feel mentally exhausted and are pressed for time I do not trust my reasoning capabilities. Decisions to self modify to change fundamental priorities and life strategies should be done when fully functioning and without pressure.

That step three really is a non-trivial change. It can influence what goals or roles can realistically be taken on - some time pressures are not avoidable without sacrifice. It also potentially requires other adjustments. For instance - in my undergraduate days I did most assignments at the last minute under time pressure and suppressing sleep. If I were to study while having implemented step three comprehensively I would need to completely change my lifestyle.

I would go as far as to say I don't recommend step three for most people at all. I would perhaps recommend moving somewhat in the direction of less submission to external time pressures, just not to an extreme.

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