Thoughts of a 40+ years old software developer

Author: tygas

  • Key to Mastery – Robert Green

    A man should learn to detect and watch that gleamblizgesys of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the lusterspindejimas of the firmamentskliautas of bards and sagesišminčius. Yet he dismisses without notice his thought, because it is his. In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty.
    —RALPH WALDO EMERSON American essayist





    Žmogus turėtų išmokti aptikti ir stebėti tą šviesos blyksnį, kuris peršviečia jo protą iš vidaus, labiau nei bardų ir išminčių. Tačiau jis nepaiso savo minčių, nes jos yra jo. Kiekviename genijaus darbe mes atpažįstame savo atmestas mintis; jos grįžta pas mus su tam tikra svetima didybe.


    Mastery by Robert Greene is a book that explores the process of becoming a master of your craft, based on the lessons of the greatest masters throughout history. The book outlines the three phases of mastery: apprenticeship, creative-active, and mastery, and provides strategies and tips for overcoming the common obstacles and challenges along the way. The book also presents the stories and insights of various masters, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, and others, to illustrate the principles and practices of mastery.

    The book’s main message is that mastery is not a matter of talent, luck, or genetics, but a result of a lifelong dedication to learning, experimenting, and improving. Anyone can achieve mastery if they follow their natural inclination, find a mentor, master the basic skills, cultivate their creativity, and pursue their unique vision.

    A possible action plan based on the book is:

    • Identify your life’s task, the thing that you are most passionate and curious about, and align your career and goals with it.
    • Find a mentor who can guide you, challenge you, and provide you with feedback and opportunities in your field of interest.
    • Go through an apprenticeship, where you learn the basic skills, rules, and conventions of your field, and observe the masters and their work.
    • Move to the creative-active phase, where you apply your skills, experiment with new ideas, and develop your own style and voice.
    • Reach the mastery level, where you have a deep and intuitive understanding of your field, and can innovate and break the rules with confidence and originality.



  • Essentialism

    Essentialism is a book by Greg McKeown that teaches you how to live a more meaningful and purposeful life by focusing on what is truly essential and eliminating everything else. Here is a possible summary and action plan based on the book:

    • Explore • Evaluate • Eliminate

    • Inspired • Talented • World needs to

    Summary:

    • Essentialism is not about doing more things, but doing the right things. It is a disciplined, systematic approach for determining where your highest point of contribution lies, then making execution of those things almost effortless.
    • Essentialism consists of three parts: essence, explore, and execute. Essence is the core mindset of an essentialist, which is to choose less but better. Explore is the process of discerning the vital few from the trivial many. Execute is the way of making doing the essential things easier and more enjoyable.
    • To become an essentialist, you need to challenge the assumptions and beliefs that drive you to do more, such as the fear of missing out, the desire to please others, or the illusion of control. You also need to reclaim your power to choose what matters to you and say no to what doesn’t.
    • Essentialism is not a one-time event, but a constant practice. It requires you to be vigilant about your priorities, to eliminate distractions and obstacles, and to create routines and systems that support your essential goals.

    Action Plan:

    • To apply essentialism in your life, you can start by following these steps:
      1. Define your purpose and vision. Write down what you want to achieve in your life and why it matters to you. This will help you to clarify your criteria for making decisions and to align your actions with your values.
      2. Audit your activities and commitments. Make a list of all the things you spend your time, energy, and resources on, both at work and at home. Then, evaluate each item based on how essential it is to your purpose and vision. Keep only the ones that are truly important and eliminate or delegate the rest.
      3. Schedule your priorities. Instead of letting your calendar be filled with other people’s agendas, plan your time around your most essential activities. Block out time for the things that matter most to you, such as your health, your family, your learning, or your creativity. Be flexible and adaptable, but also protect your time from interruptions and distractions.
      4. Simplify and streamline. Look for ways to make your life easier and more efficient. Reduce the number of options and decisions you have to make. Automate or outsource the tasks that are not essential. Create habits and routines that support your goals. Use tools and technology that enhance your productivity and effectiveness.
      5. Review and reflect. Regularly check your progress and results. Ask yourself what is working well and what needs improvement. Celebrate your wins and learn from your failures. Seek feedback and advice from others who share your vision or have achieved what you want. Adjust your strategy and actions as needed.

    If you want to learn more about essentialism, you can read the book or check out some of the web search results I found for you:

    Source: Conversation with Bing, 30/12/2023
    (1) Essentialism by Greg McKeown | Book Summary » The Process Hacker. https://theprocesshacker.com/blog/essentialism-book-summary/.
    (2) Essentialism by Greg McKeown – Summary & Notes – Graham Mann. https://www.grahammann.net/book-notes/essentialism-the-disciplined-pursuit-of-less-greg-mckeown.
    (3) Book Summary – Essentialism The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. https://readingraphics.com/book-summary-essentialism-the-disciplined-pursuit-of-less/.
    (4) Summary of “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” – Medium. https://medium.com/@blinkreadssummarys/summary-of-essentialism-the-disciplined-pursuit-of-less-fad51cf2a4bb.

  • Eat that frog

    Great job on completing “Eat That Frog!” It seems like you’ve gained valuable insights on overcoming procrastination. Now, let’s turn those lessons into action:

    1. Set Clear Goals: Define your tasks and goals for the week ahead.
    2. Plan Each Day: Follow the advice and plan your days in advance to increase productivity.
    3. Apply the 80/20 Rule: Identify the most impactful tasks and focus on them first.
    4. Practice Creative Procrastination: Prioritize tasks and learn when to delay less important activities.
    5. Use the ABCDE Method: Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency.
    6. Apply the Law of Three: Concentrate on three critical tasks that can lead to significant results.
    7. Identify Key Constraints: Recognize obstacles and find ways to overcome them.
    8. Maximize Personal Powers: Leverage your strengths and capabilities for optimal performance.
    9. Motivate Yourself: Find ways to stay motivated and committed to your goals.
    10. Avoid Technological Distractions: Manage technology use to enhance focus and efficiency.
    11. Single-Handling Tasks: Tackle one task at a time for better concentration and results.

    And don’t forget to share your insights from the new books you discover in the coming weeks. and best of luck with your productive week ahead!

    PS: do not know whats

    The ABCDE method, as outlined in “Eat That Frog!” by Brian Tracy, is a prioritization technique for tasks. Here’s a brief explanation:

    A: Tasks with the highest priority
    Identify tasks that are crucial and must be done, focusing on high-priority items that significantly contribute to your goals.

    B: Tasks that are important but not critical
    These are tasks that you should do but aren’t as critical as the A tasks. They contribute to your long-term goals and success.

    C: Tasks that would be nice to do but have no consequences
    These tasks have minimal impact on your goals and can be postponed or addressed when time allows. They are optional and won’t significantly affect your success.

    D: Tasks that can be delegated
    Consider tasks that someone else can handle effectively. Delegating allows you to focus on high-priority items that require your attention.

    E: Tasks to eliminate
    Identify tasks that don’t contribute to your goals and can be eliminated. Sometimes, certain activities are better off not done at all.

    By categorizing tasks using the ABCDE method, you can prioritize and allocate your time and energy more effectively, ensuring that you focus on what truly matters for your success.

  • Tik 8% žmonių sulauks 65m

    Žemėje gyvena maždaug 8 mlrd. žmonių. Daugumai žmonių tai tik didelis skaičius, ir viskas.

    Tačiau jei 8 mlrd. pasaulio gyventojų laikysime 100 proc. žmonėmis, šie procentai taps aiškesni.

    Nuo 100 proc. žmonių:
    Europoje yra 11 proc.
    5 % – Šiaurės Amerikoje
    9 % – Pietų Amerikoje
    15 % – Afrikoje
    60 % – Azijoje

    49 % gyvena kaimuose.
    51 % – miestuose

    12 % kalba kinų kalba
    5 % ispaniškai
    5 % – angliškai
    3 % kalba arabiškai
    3 % kalba hindi
    3 % bengališkai
    3 % moka portugalų kalbą
    2 % rusų kalba
    2 % japoniškai
    62 % savo gimtąja kalba

    77 % turi būstą
    23 % neturi kur gyventi.

    21 % žmonių valgo per daug
    63 proc. gali valgyti tiek, kiek nori
    15 % žmonių nepakankamai maitinasi
    48 % žmonių kasdienės pragyvenimo išlaidos yra mažesnės nei 2 doleriai.

    87 % žmonių turi švaraus geriamojo vandens
    13 % žmonių neturi švaraus geriamojo vandens arba turi prieigą prie užteršto vandens šaltinio.

    75 proc. naudojasi mobiliaisiais telefonais
    25 proc. ne
    30 proc. turi prieigą prie interneto
    70 proc. neturi prieigos prie interneto

    7% gavo aukštąjį išsilavinimą
    93 % žmonių niekada nestudijavo kolegijoje ar universitete.
    83 % gali skaityti
    17 % žmonių yra neraštingi.

    33 % yra krikščionys
    22 % yra musulmonai.
    14 % yra induistai
    7 % budistų
    12 % – kitos religijos
    12 % neturi religinių įsitikinimų.

    26 % gyvena trumpiau nei 14 metų
    66 % mirė būdami 15-64 metų amžiaus.
    8 % vyresnių nei 65 metų žmonių.
    Jei turite kur gyventi, valgote sveiką maistą ir geriate švarų vandenį, turite mobilųjį telefoną,
    galite keliauti internetu ir baigėte koledžą ar universitetą, priklausote nedidelei privilegijuotųjų grupei.
    (Mažiau nei 7 proc.)

    IŠ 100 PROC. PASAULIO ŽMONIŲ TIK 8 PROC. GALI SULAUKTI 65 METŲ.

    Jei jums daugiau nei 65 metai, būkite patenkinti ir dėkingi. Naudokitės gyvenimu, išnaudokite akimirką. Jūs nepalikote šio pasaulio nesulaukę 65 metų, kaip 92 % žmonių, kurie mirė dėl sveikatos problemų. Branginkite kiekvieną likusią akimirką!

    (C) 📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0weDrZTLkiZFvRd1mHr3K5C5ZHFbPcE83dxJXYxE3XNrhhEsc9pthXnxoaNsQD3pfl&id=1280920938&mibextid=WC7FNe

  • ETH ERC-4337

    Benefits of ERC-4337
    The introduction of ERC-4337 brings several benefits to the Ethereum ecosystem and NFT users:

    Improved Accessibility
    : ERC-4337 aims to make blockchain technology more accessible to non-crypto natives by simplifying the process of buying, storing, and securing NFTs .

    Customizable Wallets
    : Wallets powered by ERC-4337 can have customized authorization logic, allowing developers to build intuitive wallet interfaces with customizable transactions.

    Lost Key Recovery
    : ERC-4337 enables wallets with easy recovery options, eliminating the need for seed phrases and making it easier for users to regain access to their accounts .

    Gasless Transactions
    : The upgrade allows for gas fees to be paid in tokens other than Ether (ETH), providing users with more flexibility in transaction payments .

    Expansion of Payment Options
    : Users can now use other tokens to pay for transactions, making the Ethereum network more accessible and expanding the range of tokens that can be used .
    Future Implications
    ERC-4337 has the potential to redefine the user experience in the Ethereum ecosystem and shape the future of NFTs. By enabling account abstraction and customizable wallets, this upgrade aims to attract more users to the platform and promote faster adoption of blockchain technology . It provides a technical foundation for the development of creative crypto wallets that can simplify the interaction between users and cryptocurrencies .

    It’s important to note that ERC-4337 focuses on making web3 wallets more user-friendly and does not directly affect scalability or transaction speeds on the Ethereum network .

    Overall, ERC-4337 represents a significant step towards improving the accessibility and usability of blockchain technology, particularly in the context of NFTs and Web3 activities.

    Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with!

  • Continuous architecture in practice

    Effective software deliver:

    – Pair programmin
    – Unit tests
    – Continuos integration
    – Daily scrums ( Not sure they should be daily. Or at least if they are – there should be not multitasking.
    – Sprint ( Personally think Kanban is far better agile methodology)
    – Demonstration for product owners ( and especially UX guys, cause they always catch all the things which were not implemented as they intended to be

  • Test checklist

    Test Checklist:

    • Did you make a serious effort to understand the text? If you had a study guide,

    did you go through it?

    Did you attempt to outline every homework problem solution?

    Did you understand all your homework problems’ solutions? If not, did you ask

    for explanations?

    • Did you work with classmates on

    homework problems? checked your solutions?

    Did you consult your instructor/teacher when you had a problem with something?

    Did you sleep well the night before the test?

    Notes from book: sci vive by @RichardHeart

  • Good buy things Fumio Sasaki

    7 powerful lessons from the book “Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism” by Fumio Sasaki

    1. True happiness comes from within, not from material possessions. Sasaki argues that the pursuit of material possessions often leads to stress, anxiety, and a sense of emptiness. True happiness, he suggests, comes from cultivating meaningful relationships, pursuing passions, and living in alignment with one’s values.
    2. Minimalism is not about deprivation; it’s about intentionality. Minimalism is not about living an austere, stripped-down existence. It’s about making conscious choices about what you bring into your life and what you leave behind. It’s about curating a space that reflects your values and priorities.
    3. Decluttering is a liberating experience. Letting go of excess belongings can be a deeply liberating experience. It can free up your physical space, mental energy, and emotional baggage. It can allow you to focus on what truly matters.
    4. Less is more. Sasaki advocates for a minimalist approach to life, suggesting that having less paradoxically leads to more. With fewer possessions, you have more time, energy, and freedom to pursue your passions and experience life to the fullest.
    5. Gratitude is essential. Cultivating a sense of gratitude for the things you do have is a powerful antidote to the materialistic mindset. By focusing on what you appreciate, you can reduce cravings for more and find contentment in the present moment.
    6. Minimalism is a journey, not a destination. Sasaki emphasizes that minimalism is an ongoing process of refinement and simplification. It’s not about achieving a perfect state of minimalism; it’s about continuously evaluating your relationship with your possessions and making conscious choices that align with your values.
    7. Minimalism is a personal journey. Minimalism is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The degree of minimalism you choose is a personal decision, based on your own values, preferences, and circumstances. What matters most is that you are intentional about your choices and creating a life that is authentic and fulfilling to you.

    Book: https://amzn.to/3uF3cJx

    You can also get the audio book for FREE using the same link, as long as you are registered on the Audible Platform.

  • Wisdom of psychology professor Eugenijus Laurinavicius

    There is only 24 hours in a day.

    8 for work

    8 for sleep

    8 for leisure / family

    Everything starts with a planing, but its not the hardest thing. Execute is much harder.

    Silver rule: work hard can only the one who knows how to rest.

    Gold rule: You are happy when in the morning you want to go to work and in the evening you want to go home.

    Diamond rule: God help strength to do what I can, give me knowledge to understand what I can not do or achieve. And most important wisdom to distinct first one from second one.

  • Generation Z or the guys born after 1993

    Working in IT is fun cause your are on the edge of technologies, but also it means that bunch of your colleagues will be younger than you. Especially if you are a millenial or boomer how I am called sometimes. It’s kinda cool hang out with them, but at some point you stop understanding the reasons behind their motivation and actions.

    Here are 7 reasons why:


    Digital Natives    : Gen Z grew up in a world immersed in technology, being exposed to the internet, social media, and mobile devices from an early age. They are comfortable with digital tools and have a high level of digital literacy.

    Entrepreneurial Mindset: Gen Z tends to have a more entrepreneurial outlook, valuing independence and seeking opportunities for self-employment or freelance work. They are often motivated to create their own paths and explore innovative solutions.

    Pragmatic and Realistic: Gen Z individuals are often described as pragmatic and realistic, having witnessed economic downturns, political instability, and environmental challenges. They tend to be more cautious and risk-averse compared to Millennials.

    Diverse and Inclusive: Gen Z embraces diversity and inclusivity, valuing equality and social justice. They are more likely to challenge traditional norms and advocate for inclusiveness across various aspects of society, including race, gender, and sexual orientation.

    Global Awareness: Gen Z is highly connected and globally aware. They have access to a vast amount of information and are more likely to be knowledgeable about global issues, cultural diversity, and social movements.

    Short Attention Span: Growing up in the age of information overload, Gen Z tends to have a shorter attention span and prefers quick, bite-sized content. They are adept at multitasking and consuming information from multiple sources simultaneously.

    Desire for Authenticity: Gen Z values authenticity and transparency. They are more skeptical of traditional advertising and prefer brands that align with their values and demonstrate genuine social responsibility.