Daniel Lemire's blog

, 1 min read

Hard problems and hot coffee

I recently realized that I suffer from the hard problem, hot coffee syndrome.

What is it? Well, when I have a hard problem to solve on my to do list, and if this problem has become a priority, I will start procrastinating. So far, that’s not uncommon. But then, because I try to muster enough energy to tackle the problem, I will start drinking more and more coffee, up to 3 or 4 a day. At this point, I become really energetic, at least for a little while, but I find all sorts of convenient ways to avoid the problem I must solve. For example, I will start writting on my blog instead of working hard on my problem.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to this damn problem… or go drink another coffee…