I have learned to just give up in those situations. Sometimes following your instincts instead of controlling them is a good idea. If your body or mind decides it would really prefer to be doing something else, let it.

Grab a can of your favourite beverage and get really into your time wasting activity. I've noticed that a lot of people who have done as much study as you must have often have trouble with the idea of 'wasting' an evening. In reality, you aren't wasting it at all. You'll feel better for it, and the next day you'll feel more like 'working' because you'll still have happy memories from your last recreation break (well, it works for me).

As for the goals and gratification, I agree that breaking them down into sub components helps a lot. I can't even stand writing a function without seeing it work, let alone a whole module. I wouldn't worry too much about the instant gratification thing. You have to get your (psychological) 'payoff' somehow, otherwise why would you be doing it at all?

____________________
Jeremy
I didn't believe in evil until I dated it.

In reply to Re: Programming and Instant Gratification by jepri
in thread Programming and Instant Gratification by Masem

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