Author: Always Learning

  • 3 Daily Habits

    3 Daily Habits Ideas largely taken from

    The Habits are:

    1. Organize tomorrow today – Don’t let other people determine your priorities. a Good idea is Just before lunch, start planning for tomorrow. Split it into:
      • nice to have done,
      • the top 3 priorities
      • 1 must do.
    2. Say no – focus on whats important to you.
    3. Focus on 1 thing at a time. Focus on the next step us the strength of technology rather than get swallowed by it (getting swamped by new applications or lots of email)

    Also See

    The One thing

  • Brain Hack: 6 secrets to learning faster, backed by neuroscience

    Taken from

    Table of Contents

    The Challenge of Learning as You Age and How to Overcome It

    As we get older, the ability to learn new things can become increasingly challenging. However, there are several strategies to enhance your learning capabilities. Here are six essential tips to boost your learning effectiveness:

    1. Prioritize Attention

    Concentrating on a single task can significantly improve memory retention. Constantly switching between tasks can dilute your focus. To enhance your attention, consider stepping away from your mobile phone, practicing meditation, or even exercising, which has been shown to improve memory and focus for up to two hours afterward.

    2. Maintain Alertness

    Being alert can significantly improve your focus on tasks. Techniques such as controlled breathing, taking cold showers, and physical exercise can help. While caffeine can provide a temporary boost, remember that it’s impossible to maintain 100% alertness all the time.

    3. The Importance of Sleep

    Sleep not only affects your alertness but also plays a crucial role in immune function, metabolism, emotional well-being, and the consolidation of short-term memories into long-term ones.

    4. The Power of Repetition

    As the old adage goes, “practice makes perfect.” Repeating information over time is more effective than cramming all at once. Opt for shorter learning sessions spread over multiple days rather than trying to absorb everything in one go.

    5. Take Breaks

    Allow your brain some downtime to process and internalize new information. A 10-20 minute break post-learning can be beneficial. Wait at least an hour before diving into a new topic to give your brain ample time to assimilate what you’ve just learned.

    6. Embrace Mistakes

    Learning is an iterative process, and mistakes are an integral part of it. Understanding how to cope with failure can make you more resilient and enhance your learning experience.

    Sample Timetable for Learning a New Task: “Introduction to Python Programming”

    Day 1: Introduction to Python Syntax

    • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Breathing exercises to enhance alertness
    • 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM: Study Python syntax (Prioritize Attention)
    • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Short break and light exercise (Take Breaks)
    • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Review Python syntax (Repetition)

    Day 2: Variables and Data Types

    • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Cold shower to boost alertness
    • 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM: Study variables and data types (Prioritize Attention)
    • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Short break and meditation (Take Breaks)
    • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Review variables and data types (Repetition)

    Day 3: Control Structures

    • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Light exercise and a cup of coffee (Maintain Alertness)
    • 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM: Study control structures like loops and conditionals (Prioritize Attention)
    • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Short break and a healthy snack (Take Breaks)
    • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Review control structures (Repetition)

    Day 4: Functions and Modules

    • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Breathing exercises to enhance alertness
    • 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM: Study functions and modules (Prioritize Attention)
    • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Short break and light stretching (Take Breaks)
    • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Review functions and modules (Repetition)

    Day 5: Review and Practice

    • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Cold shower to boost alertness
    • 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM: Review all topics covered (Repetition)
    • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Short break and meditation (Take Breaks)
    • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Attempt a small project and note down any mistakes (Embrace Mistakes)

    Nightly Routine (All Days)

    • 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Wind-down routine to prepare for quality sleep (Importance of Sleep)
  • Great quotes

    This is a dumping ground of great and powerful quotes i have found along my journey.

    “Living well means spending more time on things that matter. Living poorly means spending more time on things that don’t matter. Wisdom is knowing the difference.” –

    Mark Manson

    All change starts with awareness

    The quote “All change starts with awareness” is a commonly used phrase, but it is not specifically attributed to a single individual. It is often cited in the context of personal development, organizational change, and social movements to emphasize the importance of recognizing a problem or opportunity as the first step toward making a change

    Being busy and being productive are not the same thing. It’s easy to be busy. It’s hard to be productive. Being productive is not about doing more; it’s about concentrating all your energy on the few things that matter.”

    Shane Parrish

    Don’t get caught up in distant goals or 5-year plans. Life is not linear; it’s a series of meandering paths. Focus on the next step, on what’s in front of you now. There are no ‘aha’ moments; only tiny, incremental gains. And that’s OK. Keep at it

    “Do the best you can. No one can do more than that”

    John Wooden

    I never lose. Either i win or learn

    Nelson Mandela

    “the one thing that can solve most problems is dancing”

    James Brown

    “the universe buries strange jewels within us all, and then stands back to see if can find them”

    Elizabeth Gilbert.

    Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity

    Seneca Stoic philosopher, statesmen and Orator.

    We are so lucky to live in this world , over a century ago we would have been able to watch a world class music performance once in a lifetime today we can re-watch it every day.

    You tube Contributor

    Success doesn’t have to be defined by status, title or material wealth. You can measure achievement any way you want

    Jim Carey
  • The Work Life Balance

    From a great article at https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-have-good-work-life-balance

    This article discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the challenges of doing so, particularly in the era of remote work. It delves into the definitions and signs of healthy and unhealthy work-life balances. A healthy balance involves setting boundaries, time management, stress management, and flexibility. On the other hand, an unhealthy balance is characterized by overwork, neglected personal life, and burnout.

    The article highlights the negative consequences of poor work-life balance, such as increased risk for health issues like stroke, anxiety, and depression. It also emphasizes that poor work-life balance impacts productivity and relationships.

    To improve work-life balance, the article suggests various tips:

    • Planning ahead for work and leisure
    • Using productivity hacks
    • Designating specific time blocks for different tasks
    • Setting a time to end work for the day
    • Using technology to help unplug
    • Taking time off and practising mindfulness
    • Communication with your manager
    • Working with a coach or therapist

    It also includes a section aimed at managers on how they can support their team’s work-life balance. The advice includes reminders to unplug, creating space for social connections, respecting working hours, and setting examples.

    The article ends by discussing the unique challenges and benefits of remote work. While working from home has some advantages, it also blurs the lines between work and personal life, making it harder to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

  • Time Blocking

    My take aways

    1. Plan every minute by blocking off time for all activities to optimize your day.
    2. Reduce context switching by scheduling related tasks together for greater efficiency.
    3. Time-blocking helps clarify your priorities and work goals.
    4. The “Parkinson’s Law” states that tasks expand to fill the time available for them, so allocate time wisely.
    5. Avoid time-blocking on weekends for flexibility.
    6. Schedule important tasks at the beginning of the day.
    7. Include a block for quick, small tasks and also for breaks and relaxation.
    8. Complete tasks within their assigned time blocks and include buffer time, like 15 minutes, to wrap up.
    9. During time blocks, stay focused and avoid distractions.
    10. Limit the scope of what you focus on, such as choosing one article to read instead of many.
    11. Replace idle mobile usage with engaging in new hobbies when you’re bored.