From ca41bcb00c11131f66ee8252e9a9c46fa065e02b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Buetow Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2024 23:34:24 +0200 Subject: Update content for html --- notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html | 4 ++-- notes/mind-management.html | 4 ++-- notes/never-split-the-difference.html | 4 ++-- notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html | 4 ++-- notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html | 4 ++-- 5 files changed, 10 insertions(+), 10 deletions(-) (limited to 'notes') diff --git a/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html b/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html index f472778d..462554ab 100644 --- a/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html +++ b/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html @@ -306,6 +306,8 @@

The war of Art (to combat procrastination)

Willpower Instinct

+E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
+
Other book notes of mine are:

2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
@@ -314,8 +316,6 @@ 2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes (You are currently reading this)
2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes

-E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
-
More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site

Talk slowly and deepen your voice a bit to appear more confident. You will also become more confident.

Also, use power positions for better confidence.

+E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
+
Other book notes of mine are:

2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
@@ -116,8 +118,6 @@ 2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes (You are currently reading this)

-E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
-
More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site

diff --git a/notes/never-split-the-difference.html b/notes/never-split-the-difference.html index 8dec98ec..d3324659 100644 --- a/notes/never-split-the-difference.html +++ b/notes/never-split-the-difference.html @@ -138,6 +138,8 @@
Slow.... it.... down....

+E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
+
Other book notes of mine are:

2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
@@ -146,8 +148,6 @@ 2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes

-E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
-
Back to the main site

Generated by Gemtexter 2.1.0-release | diff --git a/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html b/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html index 92be78fc..27dddcb0 100644 --- a/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html +++ b/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html @@ -92,6 +92,8 @@
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.

+E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
+
Other book notes of mine are:

2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
@@ -100,8 +102,6 @@ 2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes

-E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
-
More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site

diff --git a/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html b/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html index 1ac45d3e..21267462 100644 --- a/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html +++ b/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html @@ -91,6 +91,8 @@
By working together, everyone contributes what they can, achieving a greater good together.

+E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
+
Other book notes of mine are:

2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes (You are currently reading this)
@@ -99,8 +101,6 @@ 2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes

-E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
-
More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site

-- cgit v1.2.3 From 66e846af2d01c170c83c2f7d99ab54efdaa1eea8 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Buetow Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 22:02:36 +0200 Subject: Update content for html --- notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html | 2 +- notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html | 2 +- notes/index.html | 2 +- notes/mental-combat.html | 2 +- notes/mind-management.html | 2 +- notes/never-split-the-difference.html | 2 +- notes/staff-engineer.html | 2 +- notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html | 2 +- notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html | 2 +- notes/the-stoic-challenge.html | 2 +- 10 files changed, 10 insertions(+), 10 deletions(-) (limited to 'notes') diff --git a/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html b/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html index 320595e5..ea871b35 100644 --- a/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html +++ b/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html @@ -85,7 +85,7 @@

diff --git a/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html b/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html index 462554ab..387e70ba 100644 --- a/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html +++ b/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html @@ -321,7 +321,7 @@ diff --git a/notes/index.html b/notes/index.html index 8ce25041..7358186f 100644 --- a/notes/index.html +++ b/notes/index.html @@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ diff --git a/notes/mental-combat.html b/notes/mental-combat.html index a22fd3ff..3d2aac22 100644 --- a/notes/mental-combat.html +++ b/notes/mental-combat.html @@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ diff --git a/notes/mind-management.html b/notes/mind-management.html index 5aef27d1..762810a8 100644 --- a/notes/mind-management.html +++ b/notes/mind-management.html @@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ diff --git a/notes/never-split-the-difference.html b/notes/never-split-the-difference.html index d3324659..31537574 100644 --- a/notes/never-split-the-difference.html +++ b/notes/never-split-the-difference.html @@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ diff --git a/notes/staff-engineer.html b/notes/staff-engineer.html index fcecd808..d0a81f86 100644 --- a/notes/staff-engineer.html +++ b/notes/staff-engineer.html @@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ diff --git a/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html b/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html index 27dddcb0..f4bae774 100644 --- a/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html +++ b/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html @@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ diff --git a/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html b/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html index 21267462..aac3888e 100644 --- a/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html +++ b/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html @@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ diff --git a/notes/the-stoic-challenge.html b/notes/the-stoic-challenge.html index 19f7465a..fa7fdeda 100644 --- a/notes/the-stoic-challenge.html +++ b/notes/the-stoic-challenge.html @@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ -- cgit v1.2.3 From 037fe0c2a4403aad572d4f592e9af4991d2dfdeb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Buetow Date: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:20:46 +0300 Subject: Update content for html --- notes/style-override.css | 20 -------------------- 1 file changed, 20 deletions(-) (limited to 'notes') diff --git a/notes/style-override.css b/notes/style-override.css index b5953b41..bc6159b3 100644 --- a/notes/style-override.css +++ b/notes/style-override.css @@ -1,23 +1,3 @@ -body { - font-family: handnotes, monospace; -} - h1, h2, h3 { font-family: handnotes, monospace; } - -a { - font-family: typewriter, monospace; -} - -p.quote { - font-family: typewriter, monospace; -} - -ul { - font-family: typewriter, monospace; -} - -pre { - font-family: typewriter, monospace; -} -- cgit v1.2.3 From 329239acadea820ef98711e86515f702b3e83c63 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Buetow Date: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:29:39 +0300 Subject: Update content for html --- notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html | 10 +++++----- notes/mind-management.html | 11 ++++++----- notes/never-split-the-difference.html | 10 +++++----- notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html | 10 +++++----- notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html | 10 +++++----- 5 files changed, 26 insertions(+), 25 deletions(-) (limited to 'notes') diff --git a/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html b/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html index 387e70ba..065d403e 100644 --- a/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html +++ b/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html @@ -310,11 +310,11 @@
Other book notes of mine are:

-2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
-2023-04-01 "Never split the difference" book notes
-2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
-2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes (You are currently reading this)
-2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes
+2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
+2023-04-01 "Never split the difference" book notes
+2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
+2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes (You are currently reading this)
+2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes

More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/mind-management.html b/notes/mind-management.html index 762810a8..3886a6f8 100644 --- a/notes/mind-management.html +++ b/notes/mind-management.html @@ -112,14 +112,15 @@
Other book notes of mine are:

-2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
-2023-04-01 "Never split the difference" book notes
-2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
-2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
-2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes (You are currently reading this)
+2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
+2023-04-01 "Never split the difference" book notes
+2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
+2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
+2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes (You are currently reading this)

More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
+

diff --git a/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html b/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html index f4bae774..58f2bb97 100644 --- a/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html +++ b/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html @@ -96,11 +96,11 @@
Other book notes of mine are:

-2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
-2023-04-01 "Never split the difference" book notes
-2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes (You are currently reading this)
-2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
-2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes
+2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
+2023-04-01 "Never split the difference" book notes
+2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes (You are currently reading this)
+2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
+2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes

More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html b/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html index aac3888e..08b66aef 100644 --- a/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html +++ b/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html @@ -95,11 +95,11 @@
Other book notes of mine are:

-2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes (You are currently reading this)
-2023-04-01 "Never split the difference" book notes
-2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
-2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
-2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes
+2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes (You are currently reading this)
+2023-04-01 "Never split the difference" book notes
+2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
+2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
+2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes

More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
-- cgit v1.2.3 From 82e8095bf20f2f96468804c5c0d9ac92acfdd53b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Buetow Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 11:44:58 +0300 Subject: Update content for html --- notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html | 2 +- notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html | 2 +- notes/index.html | 2 +- notes/mental-combat.html | 2 +- notes/mind-management.html | 2 +- notes/never-split-the-difference.html | 2 +- notes/staff-engineer.html | 2 +- notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html | 2 +- notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html | 2 +- notes/the-stoic-challenge.html | 2 +- 10 files changed, 10 insertions(+), 10 deletions(-) (limited to 'notes') diff --git a/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html b/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html index ea871b35..3187e8c4 100644 --- a/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html +++ b/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html @@ -83,7 +83,7 @@
Back to the main site

diff --git a/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html b/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html index 065d403e..45a37d6b 100644 --- a/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html +++ b/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html @@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/index.html b/notes/index.html index 7358186f..583fd6ba 100644 --- a/notes/index.html +++ b/notes/index.html @@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
Go back to main site
diff --git a/notes/mental-combat.html b/notes/mental-combat.html index 3d2aac22..0cac8b7d 100644 --- a/notes/mental-combat.html +++ b/notes/mental-combat.html @@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/mind-management.html b/notes/mind-management.html index 3886a6f8..70d4b905 100644 --- a/notes/mind-management.html +++ b/notes/mind-management.html @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ Back to the main site

diff --git a/notes/never-split-the-difference.html b/notes/never-split-the-difference.html index 63e10869..fae46dfa 100644 --- a/notes/never-split-the-difference.html +++ b/notes/never-split-the-difference.html @@ -150,7 +150,7 @@
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/staff-engineer.html b/notes/staff-engineer.html index d0a81f86..3f96addd 100644 --- a/notes/staff-engineer.html +++ b/notes/staff-engineer.html @@ -50,7 +50,7 @@
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html b/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html index 58f2bb97..0c2d1f33 100644 --- a/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html +++ b/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html @@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html b/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html index 08b66aef..389fa976 100644 --- a/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html +++ b/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html @@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/the-stoic-challenge.html b/notes/the-stoic-challenge.html index fa7fdeda..d0705d88 100644 --- a/notes/the-stoic-challenge.html +++ b/notes/the-stoic-challenge.html @@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
Back to the main site
-- cgit v1.2.3 From 2b3e66ec85d61c9329b0e21ee277249aa64bb589 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Buetow Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2024 14:34:51 +0300 Subject: Update content for html --- notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html | 1 + notes/index.html | 1 + notes/mind-management.html | 1 + notes/never-split-the-difference.html | 1 + notes/slow-productivity.html | 160 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html | 1 + notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html | 1 + 7 files changed, 166 insertions(+) create mode 100644 notes/slow-productivity.html (limited to 'notes') diff --git a/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html b/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html index 45a37d6b..e4edfe06 100644 --- a/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html +++ b/notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html @@ -315,6 +315,7 @@ 2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes (You are currently reading this)
2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes
+2024-05-01 "Slow Productivity" book notes

More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/index.html b/notes/index.html index 583fd6ba..25983e79 100644 --- a/notes/index.html +++ b/notes/index.html @@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ 'The Pragmatic Programmer' book notes
'The Obstacle is the Way' book notes
'Staff Engineer' book notes
+'Slow Productivity' book notes
'Never split the difference' book notes
'Mind Management' book notes
'Mental Combat' book notes
diff --git a/notes/mind-management.html b/notes/mind-management.html index 70d4b905..ad869c3a 100644 --- a/notes/mind-management.html +++ b/notes/mind-management.html @@ -117,6 +117,7 @@ 2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes (You are currently reading this)
+2024-05-01 "Slow Productivity" book notes

More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/never-split-the-difference.html b/notes/never-split-the-difference.html index fae46dfa..4d16275f 100644 --- a/notes/never-split-the-difference.html +++ b/notes/never-split-the-difference.html @@ -147,6 +147,7 @@ 2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes
+2024-05-01 "Slow Productivity" book notes

Back to the main site

"Slow Productivity" book notes

+
+Published at 2024-04-27T14:18:51+03:00
+
+These are my personal takeaways after reading "Slow Productivity - The lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout" by Cal Newport.
+
+The case studies in this book were a bit long, but they appeared to be well-researched. I will only highlight the interesting, actionable items in the book notes.
+
+These notes are mainly for my own use, but you may find them helpful.
+
+

+         ,..........   ..........,
+     ,..,'          '.'          ',..,
+    ,' ,'            :            ', ',
+   ,' ,'             :             ', ',
+  ,' ,'              :              ', ',
+ ,' ,'............., : ,.............', ',
+,'  '............   '.'   ............'  ',
+ '''''''''''''''''';''';''''''''''''''''''
+                    '''
+

+
+"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.
+
+

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.
+
+There is a tendency to perform shallow work because people will otherwise dismiss you as lazy. A lot of shallow work can cause burnout, as multiple things are often being worked on in parallel. The more you have on your plate, the more stressed you will be.
+
+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.
+
+

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.
+
+There are three principles for the maintenance of a sustainable work life:
+
+

Do fewer things
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.
+
+Reduce the overhead tax. The overhead tax is all the administrative work to be done. With every additional project, there will also be more administrative stuff to be done on your work plate. So, doing fewer things leads to more and better output and better quality for the projects you are working on.
+
+Limit the things on your plate. Limit your missions (personal goals, professional goals). Reduce your main objectives in life. More than five missions are usually not sustainable very easily, so you have to really prioritise what is important to you and your professional life.
+
+A mission is an overall objective/goal that can have multiple projects. Limit the projects as well. Some projects need clear endings (e.g., work in support of a never-ending flow of incoming requests). In this case, set limits (e.g., time box your support hours). You can also plan "office hours" for collaborative work with colleagues to avoid ad hoc distractions.
+
+The key point is that after making these commitments, you really deliver on them. This builds trust, and people will leave you alone and not ask for progress all the time.
+
+Doing fever things is essential for modern knowledge workers. Breathing space in your work also makes you more creative and happier overall.
+
+Pushing workers more work can make them less productive, so the better approach is the pull model, where workers pull in new work when the previous task is finished.
+
+If you can quantify how busy you are or how many other projects you already work on, then it is easier to say no to new things. For example, show what you are doing, what's in the roadmap, etc. Transparency is the key here.
+
+You can have your own simulated pull system if the company doesn't agree to a global one:
+
+

State which additional information you would need.
Create a rough estimate of when you will be able to work on it
Estimate how long the project would take. Double that estimate, as humans are very bad estimators.
Respond to the requester and state that you will let him know when the estimates change.

+Sometimes, a little friction is all that is needed to combat incoming work, e.g., when your manager starts seeing the reality of your work plate, and you also request additional information for the task. If you already have too much on your plate, then decline the new project or make room for it in your calendar. If you present a large task list, others will struggle to assign more to you.
+
+Limit your daily goals. A good measure is to focus on one goal per day. You can time block time for deep work on your daily goal. During that time, you won't be easily available to others.
+
+The battle against distractions must be thought to be the master of your time. Nobody will fight this war for you. You have to do it for yourself. (Also, have a look at Cal Newport's "time block planning" method).
+
+Put tasks on autopilot (regular recurring tasks).
+
+

Work in 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.
+
+Don't rush. If you rush or are under pressure, you will be less effective and eventually burn out. Our brains work better then not rushy. The stress heuristic usually indicates too much work, and it is generally too late to reduce workload. That's why we all typically have dangerously too much to do.
+
+Have the courage to take longer to do things that are important. For example, plan on a yearly and larger scale, like 2 to 5 years.
+
+Find a reasonable time for a project and then double the project timeline against overconfident optimism. Humans are not great at estimating. They gravitate towards best-case estimates. If you have planned more than enough time for your project, then you will fall into a natural work pace. Otherwise, you will struggle with rushing and stress.
+
+Some days will still be intense and stressful, but those are exceptional cases. After those exceptions (e.g., finalizing that thing, etc.), calmer periods will follow again.
+
+Pace yourself over modest results over time. Simplify and reduce the daily task lists. Meetings: Certain hours are protected for work. For each meeting, add a protected block to your calendar, so you attend meetings only half a day max.
+
+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.
+
+

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:
+
+

Focus on the core activities of your work for your obsession - you will only have the time to obsess over some things.
Deliver solid work with good quality.
Sharpen the focus to do the best work possible.

+Go pro to save time, and don't squeeze everything out that you can from freemium services. Professional software services eliminate administrative work:
+
+

Pay people who know what they are doing and focus on your stuff.
For example, don't repair that car if you know the mechanic can do that much better than you.
Or don't use the free version of the music streaming service if it interrupts you with commercials, hindering your ability to concentrate on your work.
Hire an accountant for your yearly tax returns. He knows much more about that stuff than you do. And in the end, he will even be cheaper as he knows all the tax laws.
...

+Adjust your workplace to what you want to accomplish. You could have dedicated places in your home for different things, e.g., a place where you read and think (armchair) and a place where you collaborate (your desk or whiteboard). Surround yourself with things that inspire you (e.g., your favourite books on your shelf next to you, etc.).
+
+There is the concept of quiet quitting. It doesn't mean quitting your job, but it means that you don't go beyond and above the expectations people have of you. Quiet quitting became popular with modern work, which is often meaningless and full of shallow tasks. If you obsess over quality, you enjoy your craft and want to go beyond and above.
+
+Implement rituals and routines which shift you towards your goals:
+
+

For example, if you want to be a good Software Engineer, you also have to put in the work regularly. For instance, progress a bit every day in your project at hand, even if it is only one hour daily. Also, a little quality daily work will be more satisfying over time than many shallow tasks.
Do you want to be lean and/or healthy? Schedule your daily walks and workouts. They will become habits over time.
There's the compounding effect where every small effort made every day will yield significant results in the long run

+Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.
+
+It appears to be money thrown out of the window, but you get a $50 expensive paper notebook (and also a good pen). Unconsciously, it will make you take notes more seriously. You will think about what to put into the notebooks more profoundly and have thought through the ideas more intensively. If you used very cheap notebooks, you would scribble a lot of rubbish and wouldn't even recognise your handwriting after a while anymore. So choosing a high-quality notebook will help you to take higher-quality notes, too.
+
+Slow productivity is actionable and can be applied immediately.
+
+E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
+
+Other book notes of mine are:
+
+2023-03-16 "The Pragmatic Programmer" book notes
+2023-04-01 "Never split the difference" book notes
+2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
+2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
+2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes
+2024-05-01 "Slow Productivity" book notes (You are currently reading this)
+
+More books and other resources I found useful.
+Back to the main site
+
+ + + diff --git a/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html b/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html index 0c2d1f33..a46c9d51 100644 --- a/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html +++ b/notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html @@ -101,6 +101,7 @@ 2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes (You are currently reading this)
2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes
+2024-05-01 "Slow Productivity" book notes

More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
diff --git a/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html b/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html index 389fa976..453fc7fc 100644 --- a/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html +++ b/notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html @@ -100,6 +100,7 @@ 2023-05-06 "The Obstacle is the Way" book notes
2023-07-17 "Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills" book notes
2023-11-11 "Mind Management" book notes
+2024-05-01 "Slow Productivity" book notes

More books and other resources I found useful.
Back to the main site
-- cgit v1.2.3 From 0369f8138fee097b92474b4928c7eccfc88d9d47 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Buetow Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2024 15:10:58 +0300 Subject: Update content for html --- notes/slow-productivity.html | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) (limited to 'notes') diff --git a/notes/slow-productivity.html b/notes/slow-productivity.html index 9e1563fc..8d196923 100644 --- a/notes/slow-productivity.html +++ b/notes/slow-productivity.html @@ -82,7 +82,7 @@
Limit your daily goals. A good measure is to focus on one goal per day. You can time block time for deep work on your daily goal. During that time, you won't be easily available to others.

-The battle against distractions must be thought to be the master of your time. Nobody will fight this war for you. You have to do it for yourself. (Also, have a look at Cal Newport's "time block planning" method).
+The battle against distractions must be fought to be the master of your time. Nobody will fight this war for you. You have to do it for yourself. (Also, have a look at Cal Newport's "time block planning" method).

Put tasks on autopilot (regular recurring tasks).

-- cgit v1.2.3 From e9cd66bbbb73b07ca35cfc6b8de23a9e147be505 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Buetow Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2024 21:58:50 +0300 Subject: Update content for html --- notes/slow-productivity.html | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) (limited to 'notes') diff --git a/notes/slow-productivity.html b/notes/slow-productivity.html index 8d196923..72830b2e 100644 --- a/notes/slow-productivity.html +++ b/notes/slow-productivity.html @@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
Put tasks on autopilot (regular recurring tasks).

-

Work in a natural pace

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.

-- cgit v1.2.3 From 5ad16713db1f011c08d2db602ed5b1d3294f0939 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Buetow Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2024 23:44:15 +0300 Subject: Update content for html --- notes/index.html | 1 + notes/influence-wihout-authority.html | 78 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2 files changed, 79 insertions(+) create mode 100644 notes/influence-wihout-authority.html (limited to 'notes') diff --git a/notes/index.html b/notes/index.html index 25983e79..7ac947b8 100644 --- a/notes/index.html +++ b/notes/index.html @@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ 'Never split the difference' book notes
'Mind Management' book notes
'Mental Combat' book notes
+'Influence without Authority' book notes
'Software Developmers Career Guide and Soft Skills' book notes
'A Monk's Guide to Happiness' book notes

diff --git a/notes/influence-wihout-authority.html b/notes/influence-wihout-authority.html new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f25a8766 --- /dev/null +++ b/notes/influence-wihout-authority.html @@ -0,0 +1,78 @@ + + + + +'Influence without Authority' book notes + + + + + +

"Influence without Authority" book notes

+
+Last updated 28.4.2024
+
+These notes capture key strategies from "Influence Without Authority" by Allan R. Cohen and David L. Bradford for effective interpersonal relationships and influencing others in the workplace without formal authority.
+
+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.
Communicate inclusively by saying "we fix it" instead of "I fix it" to foster teamwork.
Influence through a give-and-take process. Diagnose the goals of the other person to find what you can offer in exchange for what you need.
Seeing the pressures others are under can help stop demonizing them and see them as potential allies.
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.
Stay calm in the face of anger and avoid attacking others. Be tough and honest without being disrespectful.
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.
Understand the law of reciprocity: what you give is expected to be returned in one form or another.
Give favors before you need them returned to build credit for future influence.
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.
Be clear about your own goals and priorities when communicating with your boss.
Ensure you fully understand your boss's directives and the resources available.
Find projects or cases that align with your boss’s interests to involve them effectively.
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.
Train your reflexes to respond appropriately in challenging situations.

+E-Mail your comments to paul@nospam.buetow.org :-)
+
+Back to the main site
+ + + -- cgit v1.2.3 From 07c56086aa0c4e015c9044e333ae4001debcb28d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Buetow Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:14:09 +0300 Subject: Update content for html --- notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html | 16 ++++----- notes/career-guide-and-soft-skills.html | 58 ++++++++++++++++----------------- notes/index.html | 4 +-- notes/influence-wihout-authority.html | 14 ++++---- notes/mental-combat.html | 8 ++--- notes/mind-management.html | 18 +++++----- notes/never-split-the-difference.html | 24 +++++++------- notes/slow-productivity.html | 12 +++---- notes/staff-engineer.html | 8 ++--- notes/the-obstacle-is-the-way.html | 26 +++++++-------- notes/the-pragmatic-programmer.html | 8 ++--- notes/the-stoic-challenge.html | 6 ++-- 12 files changed, 101 insertions(+), 101 deletions(-) (limited to 'notes') diff --git a/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html b/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html index 3187e8c4..d642ce73 100644 --- a/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html +++ b/notes/a-monks-guide-to-happiness.html @@ -8,11 +8,11 @@ -

"A Monk's Guide to Happiness" book notes

Last updated 21.5.2023

-

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?</