Advice

Here are some personal principles and lessons I’ve learned over the years. I hope you find them helpful.

When I'm struggling to grasp a new concept, I've found it helpful to start over from the beginning. Each time I restart, I bring a little more context with me, which often illuminates details I missed before. Sometimes, the issue is the explanation itself, and seeking an alternative source, like a different author or an AI explanation, can make all the difference. I believe anything is understandable with the right background and a clear explanation.

To see a project through to completion, I find that making small, consistent progress each day is key. Even a small step forward means there's less to do later. It's about taking one step at a time, relentlessly.

I find reading to be a great exercise for the mind. Much like a muscle, the brain benefits from regular use to stay sharp. The genre or topic doesn't matter as much as the act of reading itself. I also enjoy using audiobooks to combine reading with other activities like exercise.

I've learned that spreading out study sessions over a week is more effective for me than cramming everything into a single day. This approach seems to help with better digestion and long-term retention of information.

For me, understanding something initially is one thing, but committing it to memory requires repeated exposure. Reviewing material several times is a simple but powerful technique.

I like to apply the principle of building on a solid foundation to software development. Taking the time to create tools and frameworks that simplify my work first makes the main project much more robust and manageable in the long run.

I've noticed that sharing my intentions can sometimes diminish my motivation to see them through. It seems the satisfaction of announcing a goal can sometimes get in the way of achieving it. I find it more effective to share what I've done after it's complete.

I try to remember that difficult experiences often make the good times feel even better. Rather than dwelling on negativity, I find that maintaining a positive outlook helps me get through challenges, knowing that better moments are ahead.

When things get hard, I remind myself that difficulty can be a filter. The challenge of a task is what makes the achievement valuable. Pushing through those barriers is often what separates success from inaction.

I've come to believe that quitting isn't inherently negative. Sometimes, it's a strategic decision to stop investing time in something that isn't a top priority, freeing up energy for what truly matters. It's about focusing on the right goals and not being afraid to pivot away from things that aren't working.

My experience has shown me that expertise is built through consistent effort, not innate talent. I think it's more beneficial to praise effort rather than intelligence, as this encourages a growth mindset.

My approach to complex problems is to find ways to iterate quickly. Failing fast, learning from the mistake, and trying again is often the most efficient path to a solution. It's also crucial to ensure I'm solving the right problem to begin with, and simplifying it as much as possible.

I see mistakes as opportunities to demonstrate resilience and problem-solving skills. Everyone makes them; what matters is how we handle them. Effectively managing our own errors can show that we're capable of handling responsibility.

I've found that one of the simplest ways to get something is to ask for it. It's surprising how often a direct request can lead to a positive outcome.

I believe in proactively defining and pursuing my goals. Simply waiting for them to materialize or assuming they'll happen as a byproduct of other activities is rarely an effective strategy.

I think it's important to continuously test my limits. It's in that space of discomfort that I often discover what I'm truly capable of.

I've learned not to be afraid of setting goals that seem out of reach. The process of striving for something ambitious often helps me grow into the person I need to be to achieve it.

I view failure not as a step back, but as a necessary part of moving forward. The path to success is rarely linear and often includes missteps that provide valuable lessons.

In a world that prizes speed, I find value in slowing down. It allows for a deeper appreciation of life, reduces stress, and fosters self-awareness. This is particularly helpful when I'm feeling angry or overwhelmed.

I've found that accepting my current situation, especially when it's challenging, is the first step toward moving through it. Everything is temporary, and observing the present moment without judgment can bring a sense of peace.

I've come to prioritize kindness and compassion over the need to be right. Winning an argument often just feeds the ego, which is rarely satisfied, whereas kindness builds connection.