I think I tend to get infatuated with pet projects. It'll be not unusual for me to have a particular project that I constantly want to be working on, at the detriment of my other work.

This is not a weakness

(and I want to write a blog post on it)

On the contrary, it means I can get a lot done in a short amount of time. It means that I was able to get that additivity/linearity proof to Paul in 3 days. It means that I have all my labs done for advanced graphics the class after they're assigned (plus extra features, which can turn out to be very interesting and challenging problems). It means that I'm getting extra acedemic sic work done.

However, it's hard to manage.

There are a few questions and problems I'd like to look into in order to have the best relationship with this part of my personality:

1) How do I make sure I get my other work done as well?

2) How do I get the most out of so-called infatuations? Related, should I try to get the most out, or will that spoil them?

3) Is it possible to purposefully become infatuated with a particular subject?

4) What do I do when the infatuation wears off?

4.1) Is it possible to elongate infatuations?

Some thoughts:

- On (1): I'm working on this now by trying to systemize. I need to find a system that works, and I've been building one.

- On (2) and (4.1): I think advanced graphics has been a great example of a long-winded infatuation. Jeff keeps introducing interesting and challening problems and I keep eating them up. I think I should be able to finfluence infatuation by trying to look for interesting and challening stuff within a given topic. But easier said than done.

- On (3): I think it depends. If it is not a project I am committed to, I can just drop it. But if I am committed to it or at least want to polish it up, I think I should either try to rekindle the flame or else add the work to the system to make sure I get it done.

- On (2): I get the sense that I should never try to push or force infatuations in any way. They come from within and are, in a real sense, not in my control. If I don't respect that, I could ruin them. I'm not 100% sure, othugh.