Tip #8: Learn new skills, for your sake

Developing new skills become a crucial skill because it is self-directed. You set the agenda and control what you learn. This is a super important skill for modern day work places, because it prepares you to learn new things independently and quickly.

Today's tips are thanks to the suggestion by our lead TA for intro/server-side web development and CS student.

First, a mini tip:

• When you work, take breaks. This is super important to take a bit of the cognitive load off of your mind. Take breaks between focused work times. You could plan these focus work chunks into blocks of 20 minutes or 40 minutes or 90 minutes. Take a 5-10 minute break after each chunk.
• Your work/break blocks would look like this: work - break - work - break - work - longer break (lunch, etc.) - work - etc.
• For example, something Kirsten said she does is take a 5 minute break after 20 minutes. Try this out. If this doesn't feel right for you, try working 40 or 90 minutes and take a 10 minute break after that.

Secondly, the "focus tip" for today:

Recognize this -- YOU are now setting the pace and deciding what you will focus on with your time each day. It seems like a lot of pressure, I know -- you are not alone to think this way. I'm in that club, too.

And because we have more freedom, Tip #1 is very important -- to create and stick to a schedule.

And this freedom also gives us the ability to learn something new. Learn something new. Develop new skills. Focus more time on becoming better prepared for your future.

Here are a few things you could try. (If you have tried other things that have worked for you, let me know. I'd love to try it out myself and share it with everyone!)

• First though, recognize that it is okay to sometimes lose focus. Don't judge yourself for that. We all go through these cycles. Believe that you have the power to get back to the routine. And you can. No judgment. You got this.
• Combine something that you have to do, with something you like to do or something you have wanted to do and postponed.
  • For example, I had always postponed listening to podcasts. Now I listen to podcasts while walking or cooking/cleaning. I cannot avoid cooking and cleaning, but I control what I do while doing these activities.
• Learn one thing new challenge:
  • Challenge yourself to spend 20 minutes each day to learn something new or part of something new.
  • I'm trying regular Jay Shetty's guided meditation for 20 minutes every day. I had been postponing this for a while. But the 20 minutes go by so quickly but the effect is lasting!
  • Learn a new programming language that you had wanted to but could not because of other things. Just 20 minutes each day. Incrementally, you will get better. And you will learn a new skill.
  • Watch TED talks to learn new things. Here's a useful video on creating meaningful social groups: https://www.ted.com/talks/priya_parker_3_steps_to_turn_everyday_get_togethers_into_transformative_gatherings/
• Listen to podcasts. Some that I have found to be useful include:
  • Stuff you should know (podcast on learning random but interesting facts)
  • On purpose (Jay Shetty, living with purpose and creating a purpose-filled life for yourself)
  • Work in progress (Sophia Bush, acknowledging that you can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time)
• A fan of libraries, but missing the library? Halifax public libraries has an app called Libby (https://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/blogs/post/meet-libby-by-overdrive/) -- check it out. They have tons of books and audio books!

Try it out.

You got this.

Take care, and may the Force be with you.