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"A Monk's Guide to Happiness" book notes

Last updated 21.5.2023

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Understanding Happiness

Happiness is a skill we can train.
Feel free now. No urge about past and future.
We can learn to produce our own happiness independently of physical needs. When we walk in a park, how do we feel? We can train to reproduce that feeling independently.

The Role of Meditation

Meditation is not about clearing your mind. A busy mind has nothing to do with interfering with your meditation.
Have a baseline for time to build up discipline.
We don't need to do anything about stress, just take a step back.

Managing Thoughts and Emotions

Our flow of emotions is really just habits. That can be changed through training, e.g., meditation training.
Thoughts are friends and not enemies.
Thoughts help the meditation as they make us notice that we wandered off, and therefore, we strengthen the reflection.

Practice and Discipline

The importance of habits to practice mindfulness. Bring mindfulness into the daily practice.
Practice staying fully present in an uncomfortable situation and without judgement.
Don't become two persons who never meet: the meditator and the not meditator. So integrate mindfulness during the day too.

Perspectives on Relationships and Interactions

Who is the opponent? The other person. The things he said or our reactions to things? Forgiveness is a high form of compassion.
People don't have a masterplan to destroy others, even if it seems so. They are under strong bad influence by themselves. Something terrible happened to them. Revenge makes no sense.
Be grateful for people "trying" to hurt you as they help you to practice your path.

Reflective Questions

Why do I do all the things I do? What do I try to achieve?
What are the real causes of happiness and suffering?
What about meditation? How does that address the situation?

Miscellaneous Guidelines

Posture is important as the mind and body are connected.

"Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes

Published at 2023-07-17T04:56:20+03:00

Improve

Always learn new things

When you learn something new, e.g. a programming language, first gather an overview, learn from multiple sources, play around and learn by doing and not consuming and form your own questions. Don't read too much upfront. A large amount of time is spent in learning technical skills which were never use. You want to have a practical set of skills you are actually using. You need to know 20 percent to get out 80 percent of the results.

Boot camps: The advantage of a boot camp is to pragmatically learn things fast. We almost always overestimate what we can do in a day. Especially during boot camps. Connect to others during the boot camps

Set goals

Your own goals are important but the manager also looks at how the team performs and how someone can help the team perform better. Check whether you are on track with your goals every 2 weeks in order to avoid surprises for the annual review. Make concrete goals for next review. Track and document your progress. Invest in your education. Make your goals known. If you want something, then ask for it. Nobody but you knows what you want.

Ratings

That's a trap: If you have to rate yourself, that's a trap. That never works in an unbiased way. Rate yourself always the best way but rate your weakest part as high as possible minus one point. Rate yourself as good as you can otherwise. Nobody is putting for fun a gun on his own head.

Don't do peer rating, it can fire back on you. What if the colleague becomes your new boss?
Cooperate rankings are unfortunately HR guidelines and politics and only mirror a little your actual performance.

Promotions

The most valuable employees are the ones who make themselves obsolete and automate all away. Keep a safety net of 3 to 6 months of finances. Safe at least 10 percent of your earnings. Also, if you make money it does not mean that you have to spent more money. Is a new car better than a used car which both can bring you from A to B? Liability vs assets.

@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@

If you want a raise be specific how much and know to back your demands. Don't make a thread and no ultimatums.

Best way for a promotion is to switch jobs. You can even switch back with a better salary.

Finish things

Hard work is necessary for accomplish results. However, work smarter not harder. Furthermore, working smart is not a substitute for working hard. Work both, hard and smart.

@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
Defeat is finally give up. Failure is the road to success, embrace it. Failure does not define you but how you respond to it. Events don't make your unhappy, but how you react to events do.

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Expand the empire

The larger your empire is, the larger your circle of influence is. The larger the circle of influence is, the more opportunities you have.

@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@
Become visible, keep track that you accomplishments. E.g. write a weekly summary. Do presentations, be seen. Learn new things and share your learnings. Be the problem solver and not the blamer.

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Be pragmatic and also manage your time

Make use of time boxing via the Pomodoro technique: Set a target of rounds and track the rounds. That give you exact focused work time. That's really the trick. For example set a goal of 6 daily pomodores.

@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@
You should feel good of the work done even if you don't finished the task. You will feel good about pomodoro wise even you don't finish the task on hand yet. Helps you to enjoy time off more. Working longer may not sell anything.

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The quota system

Defined quota of things done. E.g. N runs per week or M Blog posts per month or O pomodoros per week. This helps with consistency. Truly commit to these quotas. Failure is not an option. Start with small commitments. Don't commit to something you can't fulfill otherwise you set yourself up for failure.

@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@

Internal motivation is more important over external motivation. Check out Daniels book drive.

Multitasking: Batching is effective. E.g. emails twice daily at pre-set times..

Don't waste time

The biggest time waster is TV watching. The TV is programming you. It's insane that Americans watch so much TV as they work full time. Schedule one show at a time and watch it when you want to watch it. Most movies are crap anyways. The good movies will come to you as people will talk about them.

@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@

Meetings can waste time as well. Simply don't go to them. Try to cancel meeting if it can be dealt with via email.

Enjoying things is not a waste of time. E.g. you could still play a game once in a while. It is important not to cut away all you enjoy from your life.

Habits

Try to have as many good habits as possible. Start with easy habits, and make them a little bit more challenging over time. Set ankers and rewards. Over time the routines will become habits naturally.

@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@

We don't have control over our habits but our own routines.

Routines help to form the habits, though.

Work-life balance

Avoid overwork hours. That's not as beneficial as you might think and comes only with very small rewards. Invest rather in yourself and not in your employer.

@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@
Use your most productive hours to work on you. Make that your priority. Take care of yourself a priority (E.g. do workouts or learn a new language). You can always workout 2 or 1 hour per day, but will you pay the price?

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Mental health

Friendships and positive thinking help to have and maintain better health, longer Life, better productivity and increased happiness.

In most cases burnout is just an illusion. If you don't have motivation push through the wall. People usually don't pass the wall as they feel they are burned out. After pushing through the wall you will have the most fun, for example you will be able playing the guitar greatly.

Physical health

Utilise a standing desk and treadmill (you could walk and type at the same time). Increase the incline in order to burn more calories. Even on the standing desk you burn more calories than sitting. When you use pomodoro then you can use the small breaks for push-ups (maybe won't do as good when you are in a fasted state).

Intermittent fasting is an effective method to maintain weight and health. But it does not mean that you can only eat junk food in the feeding windows. Also, diet and nutrition is the most important for health and fitness. They make it also easier to stay focused and positive.

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No drama

Avoid drama at work. Where are humans there is drama. You can decide where to spent your energy in. But don't avoid conflict. Conflict is healthy in any kind of relationship. Be tactful and state your opinion. The goal is to find the best solution to the problem.

@@ -186,13 +186,13 @@
You have to learn how to work in a team. Be honest but tactful. It's not too be the loudest but about selling your ideas. Don't argue otherwise you won't sell anything. Be persuasive by finding the common ground. Or lead the colleagues to your idea and don't sell it upfront. Communicate clearly.

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Personal brand

Invest your value outside the company. Build your personal brand. Show how valuable you are, also to other companies. Become an asset.
Invest in your education. Make your goals known. If you want something ask for it (see also the sections about goals in this document).

Market yourself

The best way to market yourself is to make you usable.
Have an elevator pitch: "buetow.org - Having fun with computers!"
Have social media accounts, especially the ones which are more tech related.

Networking

Ask people so they talk about themselves. They are not really interested in you. Use meetup.com to find groups you are interested and build up the network over time. Don't drink on social networking events even when others do. Talking to other people at events only has upsides. Just saying "hi" and introducing yourself is enough. What worse can happen? If the person rejects you so what, life goes on. Ask open questions and no "yes" and "no" questions. E.g.: "What is your story, why are you here?".

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Public speaking

Before your talk go on stage 10 minutes in advance. Introduce yourself to the front row people. During the talk they will smile at you and encourage you during your talk.

@@ -219,9 +219,9 @@
Just do it. Just go to conferences. Even if you are not speaking. Sell your boss what you would learn and "this and that" and you would present the learnings to the team afterwards.

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New job

For the interview

Build up a network before the interview. E.g., follow and comment blogs. Or go to meet-ups and conferences. Join user groups.

If you are specialized then there is a better chance to get a fitting job. No one will hire a general lawyer if there are specialized lawyers available. Even if you are specialized, you will have a wide range of skills (T-shape knowledge).

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Find the right type of company

Not all companies are equal. They have individual cultures and guidelines.

@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@
Work in a tech. company if you want to work on/with cutting edge technologies.

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Apply for the new job

Get a professional resume writer. Get referrals of writers and get samples from there. Get sufficient with algorithm and data structures interview questions. Cracking the coding interview book and blog

@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@
Invest in your dress code as appearance masters. It does make sense to invest in your style. You could even hire a professional stylist (not my personal way though).

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Negotiation

Whoever names the number first loses. You don't know what someone else is expecting unless told. Low ball number may be an issue but you have to know the market.

Never spilt the difference is the best book for learning negotiation techniques..

Leaving the old job

When leaving a job make a clean and non personal as possible. Never complain and never explain. Don't worry about abandonment of the team. Everybody is replacement and you make a business decision. Don't threaten to quit as you are replaceable.

Other things

As a leader lead by example and don't lead from the Eiffel tower.
As a leader you are responsible for the team. If the team fails then it's your fault only.

Testing

Unit testing Vs regression testing: Unit tests test the smallest possible unit and get rewritten if the unit gets changed. It's like programming against a specification n. Regression tests test whether the software still works after the change. Now you know more than most software engineers.

Books to read

Clean Code

Notes on foo.zone

To be in the .zone!

'The Stoic Challenge' book notes

'The Pragmatic Programmer' book notes

"Influence without Authority" book notes

Last updated 28.4.2024

These are my personal notes, but maybe you will find them usefull too.

Building Relationships and Communication

Make relationships before they are needed. A good reputation acts as a reserve for difficult times.
Present your thoughts in a more business-like manner, less personally.
In remote meetings, use structured agendas and keep webcams on for better focus and easier opening up via video call as it’s less intense with fewer external clues.

Managing Emotions and Conflicts

Downplay personal feelings and focus on the task.
Avoid blame as it's not helpful.
Handle conflicts by ensuring the other person feels they also won; aim for win-win situations.

Strategic Influence and Reciprocity

Insist on what is important to you but may not be to others.
Recognize the hidden costs in exchanges and represent them when negotiating to ensure fair compensation.
Many people underestimate the "currencies" they can offer, like craftsmanship or teaching, to influence outcomes favorably.

Working with Management

Use your boss as a potential ally, seeing them as a partner.
Present new ideas to your boss only when they are well thought out and the benefits are clear.
The goal is to maintain a supportive work relationship with your boss as a partner, not to critique them. If alignment isn’t possible, consider moving on.

Adapting to Workplace Culture

Early successes can lead to better cooperation within teams.
Adjust to company culture when asking for things.
Recognize that truly powerful people don't need to show off but address problems directly and empower others.

Diplomacy and Discretion

The three rules of being a diplomat: never tell a lie, never tell everything, and when in doubt, go to the bathroom.

"Mental Combat" book notes

Last updated 29.5.2022

Mindfulness

We overthink everything. Apply mindfulness. Take a step back and recognize the conflict. Then analyse and react. Mindfulness is experiencing the moment without judgement. Mindfulness can combat all kind of mental issues such as stress for example. Don't think about the future and the past. Be in the now.

Life will not slow down for you. You need to make your own priorities.
There is a difference between sport and exercise psychology. One is for competition, the other for exercise.

Motivation

Your mind sets limits not to self destruct your body. But there is always a buffer for emergency situations. It is possible to overcome the limits set by your mind. Motivation is everything. Without, you won't do things and will only dream. Or you will give up. Don't be externally motivated but by personal drive. Real training is though. The only way to succeed is motivation. Enjoy the process despite the pain and sweat. In order for this be internal motivated.

If you are not motivated, reevaluate your goals. Is this the right sport for you? Find the inner fire.

Self esteem

Competitive anxiety can interfere with your performance Don't worry at the outcome but focus on the now, e.g. the correct move.

"Mind Management" book notes

Published at 2023-11-11T22:21:47+02:00

The point of diminishing returns
The point of negative return

Empty slots in the calendar

If we do more things in less time and use all possible slots, speed read, etc., we are more productive. But in reality, that's not the entire truth. You also exchange one thing against everything else.... You cut out too much from your actual life.

When you safe time...

...keep it.

Creative thinking needs space. It will pay dividends tomorrow.
You will be rewarded with the "Eureka effect" - a sudden new insight.

Follow your mood

Ask yourself: what is my mood now? We never have the energy to do anything, so the better strategy is to follow your current mode and energy. E.g.:

Didn't sleep enough today? Then, do simple, non-demanding tasks at work
Had a great sleep, and there is even time before work starts? Pull in a workout...

Boosting creativity

The morning without coffee is a gift for creativity, but you often get distracted. Minimize distractions, too. I have no window to stare out but a plain blank wall.

@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@

Don't race with time but walk alongside it as rough time lines.

Don't judge every day after the harvest, but the seed you lay

The right mood for the task at hand

We need to try many different combinations. Limiting ourselves and trying too hard makes us frustrated and burn out. Creativity requires many iterations.

@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@
It gives you pleasure and is in a good mood. This increases creativity if you do what you want to do.

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Creativity hacks

Coffee can cause anxiety.
Go to open spaces for creativity.
Go to closed spaces for polishing.

Planning and strategizing

Minds work better in sprints and not in marathons. Have a weekly plan, not a daily one.

@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@
You could schedule exploratory tasks when you are under grief. Sound systems should create slack for creativity. Plan only for a few minutes.

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Fake it until you make it.

E.g. act calm if you want to be calm.

"Never split the difference" book notes

Published at 2023-04-01T20:00:17+03:00

Tactical listening, spreading empathy

Be a mirror, copy each other to be comfy with each other to build up trust. Mirroring is mainly body language. A mirror is to repeat the words the other just said. Simple but effective.

Mirror training is like Jedi training. Simple but effective. A mirror needs space. Be silent after "you want this?"

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Mindset of discovery

Try to have multiple realities in your mind and use facts to distinguish between real and false.

@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@
Try: to put a label on someone's emotion and then be silent. Wait for the other to reveal himself. "You seem unhappy about this?"

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More tips

Put on a poker face and don't show emotions.
Being right is not the key to successful negotiation; being mindful is.
Be in the safe zone of empathy and acknowledge bad news.

"No" starts the conversation

When the opponent starts with a "no", he feels in control and comfortable. That's why he has to start with "no".

@@ -71,11 +71,11 @@
Get a "That's right" when negotiating. Don't get a "you're right". You can summarise the opponent to get a "that's right".

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Win-win

Win-win is a naive approach when encountering the win-lose counterpart, but always cooperate. Don't compromise, and don't split the difference. We don't compromise because it's right; we do it because it is easy. You must embrace the hard stuff; that's where the great deals are.

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On Deadlines

All deadlines are imaginary.
They push a deal to a conclusion.
They rush the counterpart to cause pressure and anxiety.

Analyse the opponent

Understand the motivation of people behind the table as well.

The person on the other side is never the issue; the problem is the issue. Keep this in mind to avoid emotional issues with the person and focus on the problem, not the person. The bond is essential; never create an enemy.

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Use different ways of saying "no."

I had paid my rent always in time. I had positive experiences with the building and would be sad for the landlord to lose a good tenant. I am looking for a win-win agreement between us. Pulling out the research, other neighbours offer much lower prices even if your building is a better location and services. How can I effort 200 more....

@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@
You always have to embrace thoughtful confrontation for good negotiation and life. Don't avoid honest, clear conflict. It will give you the best deals. Compromises are mostly bad deals for both sides. Most people don't negotiate a win-win but a win-lose. Know the best and worst outcomes and what is acceptable for you.

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Calibrated question

Calibrated questions. Give the opponent a sense of power. Ask open-how questions to get the opponent to solve your problem and move him in your direction. Calibrated questions are the best tools. Summarise everything, and then ask, "how I am supposed to do that?". Asking for help this way with a calibrated question is a powerful tool for joint problem solving

@@ -117,11 +117,11 @@
Prepare 3 to 5 calibrated questions for your counterpart. Be curious what is really motivating the other side. You can get out the "Black Swan".

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The black swan

What we don't know can break our deal. Uncovering it can bring us unexpected success. You get what you ask for in this world, but you must learn to ask correctly. Reveal the black swan by asking questions.

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Establish a range at top places like corp. I get... (e.g. remote London on a project basis). Set a high salary range and not a number. Also, check on LinkedIn premium for the salaries.

diff --git a/notes/slow-productivity.html b/notes/slow-productivity.html index 72830b2e..dfbb108d 100644 --- a/notes/slow-productivity.html +++ b/notes/slow-productivity.html @@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ -

"Slow Productivity" book notes

Published at 2024-04-27T14:18:51+03:00

@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
"Slow productivity" does not mean being less productive. Cal Newport wants to point out that you can be much more productive with "slow productivity" than you would be without it. It is a different way of working than most of us are used to in the modern workplace, which is hyper-connected and always online.

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Pseudo-productivity and Shallow work

People use visible activity instead of real productivity because it's easier to measure. This is called pseudo-productivity.
Pseudo-productivity is used as a proxy for real productivity. If you don't look busy, you are dismissed as lazy or lacking a work ethic.
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
Shallow work usually doesn't help you to accomplish big things. Always have the big picture in mind. Shallow work can't be entirely eliminated, but it can be managed—for example, plan dedicated time slots for certain types of shallow work.

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Accomplishments without burnout

The overall perception is that if you want to accomplish something, you must put yourself on the verge of burnout. Cal Newport writes about "The lost Art of Accomplishments without Burnouts", where you can accomplish big things without all the stress usually involved.

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Work at a natural pace

Obsess over quality

Do fewer things

There will always be more work. The faster you finish it, the quicker you will have something new on your plate.

@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
Put tasks on autopilot (regular recurring tasks).

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Work at a natural pace

We suffer from overambitious timelines, task lists, and business. Focus on what matters. Don't rush your most important work to achieve better results.

@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@
Schedule slow seasons (e.g., when on vacation). Disconnect in the slow season. Doing nothing will not satisfy your mind, though. You could read a book on your subject matter to counteract that.

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Obsess over quality

Obsess over quality even if you lose short-term opportunities by rejecting other projects. Quality demands you slow down. The two previous two principles (do fewer things and work at a natural pace) are mandatory for this principle to work:

diff --git a/notes/staff-engineer.html b/notes/staff-engineer.html index 3f96addd..30220fa3 100644 --- a/notes/staff-engineer.html +++ b/notes/staff-engineer.html @@ -8,11 +8,11 @@ -

"Staff Engineer" book notes

Last updated 10.8.2023

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Not a faster Senior Engineer

A Staff engineer is more than just a faster Senior.

A Staff engineer is, like a Manager, a leader. However, being a Manager is a specific job. Leaders can apply to any job, especially to Staff engineers.

The Balance

The more senior you become, the more responsibility you will have to cope with them in less time. Balance your speed of progress with your personal life, don't work late hours and don't skip these personal care events.

Sebactical: Take at least six months. Otherwise, it won't be as restored.

More things

Provide simple but widely used tools. Complex and powerful tools will have power users but only a very few. All others will not use the tool.

"The Obstacle is the Way" book notes

Published at 2023-05-06T17:23:16+03:00

"The obstacle is the way" is a powerful statement that encapsulates the wisdom of turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success. We will explore using obstacles as fuel, transforming weaknesses into strengths, and adopting a mindset that allows us to be creative and persistent in the face of adversity.

Reframe your perspective

The obstacle in your path can become your path to success. Instead of being paralyzed by challenges, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Remember, the things that hurt us often instruct us.

Don't always try to use the front door; a backdoor could open. It's nonsense. Don't fight the judo master with judo. Non-action can be action, exposing the weaknesses of others.

Embrace rationality

It is a superpower to see things rationally when others are fearful. Focus on the reality of the situation without letting emotions, such as anger, cloud your judgment. This ability will enable you to make better decisions in adversity. Ability to see things what they really are. E.g. wine is old fermented grapes, or other people behaving like animals during a fight. Show the middle finger if someone persists on the stupid rules occasionally.

Control your response

You can choose how you respond to obstacles. Focus on what you can control, and don't let yourself feel harmed by external circumstances. Remember, you decide how things affect you; nobody else does. Choose to feel good in response to any situation. Embrace the challenges and obstacles that come your way, as they are opportunities for growth and learning.

Practice emotional and physical resilience

Martial artists know the importance of developing physical and emotional strength. Cultivate the art of not panicking; it will help you avoid making mistakes during high-pressure situations.

Focus on what you can control. Don't choose to feel harmed, and then you won't be harmed. I decide things that affect me; nobody else does. E.g., in prison, your mind stays your own. Don't ignore fear but explain it away, have a different view.

Persistence and patience

Practice persistence and patience in your pursuits. Focus on the process rather than the prize and take one step at a time. Remember, the journey is about finishing tasks, projects, or workouts to the best of your ability. Never be in a hurry and never be desperate. There is no reason to be rushed; there are all in the long haul. Follow the process and not the price. Take it one step at a time. The process is about finishing (workout, task, project, etc.).

Embrace failure

Failure is a natural part of life and can make us stronger. Treat defeat as a stepping stone to success and education. What is defeat? The first step to education. Failure makes you stronger. If we do our best, we can be proud of it, regardless of the result. Do your job, but do it right. Only an asshole thinks he is too good at the things he does. Also, asking for forgiveness is easier than asking for permission.

Be adaptable

There are many ways to achieve your goals; sometimes, unconventional methods are necessary. Feel free to break the rules or go off the beaten path if it will lead to better results. Transform weaknesses into strengths. We have a choice of how to respond to things. It's not about being positive but to be creative. Aim high, but stuff will happen; E.g., surprises will always happen.

Embrace non-action

We constantly push to the next thing. Sometimes the best course of action is standing still or even going backwards. Obstacles might resolve by themselves. Or going sideways. Sometimes, the best action is to stand still, go sideways, or even go backwards. Obstacles may resolve themselves or present new opportunities if you're patient and observant. People always want your input before you have all the facts. They want you to play after their rules. The question is, do you let them? The English call it the cool head. Being in control of Stress; requires practice. Appear, the absence of fear (Greek). When all others do it one way, it does not mean it is the correct or best practice.

Leverage crisis

In times of crisis, seize the chance to do things never done before. Great people use negative situations to their advantage and become the most effective in challenging circumstances.

Be prepared for nothing to work. Problems are an opportunity to do your best, not to do miracles. Always manage your expectations. It will suck, but it will be ok. Be prepared to begin from the beginning. Be cheerful and eagerly work on the next obstacle. Each time you become better. Life is not a sprint but a marathon. After each obstacle lies another obstacle, there won't be anything without obstacles. Passing one means you are ready for the next.

Build your inner citadel

Develop your inner strength during good times so you can rely on it in bad times. Always prepare for adversity and face it with calmness and resilience. Be humble enough that things which happen will happen. Build your inner citadel. In good times strengthen it. In bad times rely on it.

We should always prepare for things to get tough. Your house burns down: no worries, we eliminated much rubbish. Imagine what can go wrong before things go wrong. We are prepared for adversity; it's other people who aren't. Phil Jackson's hip problem example. To receive unexpected benefits, you must first accept the unexpected obstacles. Meditate on death. It's a universal obstacle. Use it as a reminder to do your best.

Love everything that happens

Turn an obstacle the other way around for your benefit. Use it at fuel. It's simple but challenging. Most are paralyzed instead. The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Obstacles are neither good nor bad. The things which hurt, instruct.

Should I hate people who hate me? That's their problem and not mine. Be always calm and relaxed during the fight. The story of the battle is the story of the smile. Cheerfulness in all situations, especially the bad ones. Love for everything that happens; if it happens, it was meant to happen. We can choose how we react to things, so why not choose to feel good? I love everything that happens. You must never lower yourself to the person you don't like.

Conclusion

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Each obstacle we overcome prepares us for the next one. Remember, the obstacle is not just a barrier to be turned upside down; it can also be used as a catapult to propel us forward. By embracing challenges and using them as opportunities for growth, we become stronger, more adaptable, and, ultimately, more successful.

"The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes

Published at 2023-03-16T00:55:20+02:00

Do what works and not what's fashionable. E.g. does SCRUM make sense? The goal is to deliver deliverables and not to "become" agile.

Continuous learning

Add new tools to your repertoire every day and keep the momentum up. Learning new things is your most crucial aspect. Invest regularly in your knowledge portfolio. The learning process extends your thinking. It does not matter if you will never use it.

Think critically about everything you learn. Use paper for your notes. There is something special about it.

Stay connected

It's your life, and you own it. Bruce Lee once said:

It's your life. Share it, celebrate it, be proud and have fun.

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The story of stone soup

How to motivate others to contribute something (e.g. ideas to a startup):

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"The Stoic Challenge" book notes

Last updated 29.5.2022

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Stoics are thankful that they are mortal. As then you can get reminded of how great it is to be alive at all. In dying we are more alive we have ever been as every thing you do could be the last time you do it. Rather than fighting your death you should embrace it if there are no workarounds. Embrace a good death.

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Negative visualization

It is easy what we have to take for granted.

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Now close your eyes for a minute and imagine you would be blind, so that you will never be able to experience the world again and let it sink in. When you open your eyes again you will feel a lot of gratefulness.

Last time meditation. Lets you appreciate the life as it is now. Life gets vitalised again.

Oh, nice trick, you stoic "god"! ;-)

Take setbacks as a challenge. Also take it with some humor.

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