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I maintain a set of mind modes which I can 'slip into' while doing anything. These are abstract ideas which help me remember how I felt when something worked for me and I find myself subconsciously repeating most of them periodically.

I name them in odd ways that appeal to me but they are commonly known ideas.

I take a few minutes to mentally prepare myself and accept this mental state, and try to sustain it for a few hours at least if it's working, otherwise switch to something else.

A few examples are -

* Numb & dumb (to be numb to stimuli and dumb in action and keep moving forward with task at hand) - This helps me remember not to be nitpicky about small details, to ignore minor distractions and just do the damn task at hand. In short, to suppress procrastination.

* Plan & Execute (Do not make a single move without a plan) - Helps me think before I act, on certain days when I am overwhelmed and have a tendency to suffer with decision paralysis.



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