Ask HN: How do you overcome the problems of task switching?
I've found that starting a new problem when my mind was previously focused on finishing a different big project is difficult but doable.  First thing is take a 5 or 10 minute break away from the computer to clear your mind a bit.  When you get back, open the issue or requirements for the next project and keep it on the screen with nothing else then sit on your hands and stare at it until your mind starts to wonder about whats possible and how you can do things.  I do recommend physically sitting on your hands if you have a habit of browsing the internet when unmotivated.It's like you need to repeatedly and unintentionally expose your mind to information that pertains to the project before you get into the flow of working on it.  Just staring at it with no other outlets for activity or inlets of information forces the issue and speeds up how your brain is loaded with necessary information so that solving the problem becomes easy.So another way to say it is remapping your working memory has a high cost until the previous information naturally falls out and your motivation and desires depend on that.  So make it easy to move information into your working memory by making it the only information available.  Instead of hackernews/reddit, put up the issue and reqs.Also, for everyone else saying that you're not a robot, screw that.  With the right techniques you can be a robot like the rest of us.