My Learning Framework 1.0
For quite a while I have been noticing how voraciously I take notes, and sketch while reading. Usually, these notes are diagrams, passages or quick references for information, and ideas I really want to keep in mind. An example of that is the Map Books collection I started, in order to keep track of such notes.
Since this does not apply to leisure reading, I started to look at this habit as some sort of Learning Framework.
With the enormous quantity of information and stimuli that we are confronted with, most of the times, I find it difficult to keep track of everything I consider important, and tend to end up saying: "Oh, I saw/read/heard about it somewhere, but I don't have a clear idea of what it is/does or how it works".
Deep down this bothers me a bit, given that I appreciate being aware of the things that surround me. However, it is a lot to keep track of.
In order to better assimilate the information that I find relevant, I started iterating on the Learning Framework that I used to apply when I was studying for tests in school.
In school I would create short summaries of the most important passages of text books, create lists of items to associate/correlate, create workflow diagrams and detailed mind maps, and when adequate, gather images that depicted a clear picture of what I was studying.
While in school I focused on detail, nowadays I focus on content. So my notes are more of a way to easily and intuitively grasp an idea or a concept, without the burden of adding too much detail. It is sort of a way of organizing the information cabinets in my brain.
Also, by writing things down on paper I go deeper in the level of understanding, because it is not worth it to take notes without having a considerable degree of understanding of the subject, and the level of understanding, since you end up activating parts of your brain that help you the level of understanding (and this is not a scientific term) that help you remember things clearly.
In order to avoid having scattered notes around the house I am (unfortunately slowly) transcribing them to my Map Books collection.
So, what is your Learning Framework?
Thank you for reading.
You can also read this article at Medium.
What I have learned with Dale Carnegie
I just finished reading Dale Carnegie's "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living", and was mesmerized by how wonderful the book is.
First of all, I don't know why, but this book got its place in my To-Read list for a while now even though I don't necessary remember how it got there in the first place. Also, out of pure ignorance, I had no idea how old this book was. It turns out its first edition dates from 1948!
As members of such a fast-paced society, I think we all somehow get to a point where we are so overwhelmed with everything that surrounds us, that we eagerly try to keep up with all the stimuli we are bombarded with and, ultimately, try to be the hero and save the world.
From the real testimonials that Dale Carnegie presents in his book, we can acknowledge that, most of the time, the proportion that our worries take, can be a cheer product of our imagination. It can be the end result of trying to connect the dots over and over again, when there is no point in doing it.
Of course, there are moments in our lives that ignite real worries but, still in those cases, there is a way to stay focused and avoid the snowball effect that worry and fear tend to create.
In a nutshell, these are my take-away lessons from this book:
1. Whenever your head is spinning way too fast …
Take a step back, and think about the root cause of your stress or anxiety. Whenever feasible, apply Galen Litchfield’s technique and ask yourself 4 simple questions:
- a. What am I worrying about?
- b. What can I do about it?
- c. Decide what to do about it.
- d. When am I starting to do it?
2. Keep yourself busy
"The worried person must lose himself in action, lest be wither in despair." — In Part Three: How to break the Worry Habit Before It Breaks You, How to Crowd Worry Out of Your Mind.
3. Care about the things that really matter
Even though I am aware of it, sometimes I fail at keeping this in mind, and worry about or put too much of my energy on things that are long gone. Those little things that may happen throughout the day, that you think you are over them, but then come back around and bit you in the ear.
“Let’s not allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despise and forget. Remember “Life is too short to be little.” — In Part Three: How to break the Worry Habit Before It Breaks You, Don't Let the Beetles Get You Down.
4. Don't trade Happiness for Worry
Although one might think that things can make us happy, we are the ones who make ourselves happy. Because you give meaning to the things and people around us. Happiness always comes from within.
“[.…] What Abraham Lincoln said is true, that «most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be». Happiness is from within; it is not a matter of externals.”— In Part Four: Seven Ways to Cultivate a Mental Attitude That Will Bring You Peace and Happiness, Eight Words That Can Transform Your Life.
5. Be grateful for the things you have in your life
6. Be good to others
“When you are good to others, you are best to yourself.” — In Part Four: Seven Ways to Cultivate a Mental Attitude That Will Bring You Peace and Happiness, How to Cure Melancholy In Fourteen Days.
7. Don't pay too much attention to criticism
I realize that one should accept criticism with a pinch of salt. Mainly because there is well-intended, constructive criticism, and than there's the criticism that is only intended to let you down, and stick around like a stain in a white shirt. Instead of worrying right away, a good exercise is too step back, rationalize about situation, and determine which kind of criticism we are facing.
Then, move on.
“Remember that unjust criticism is often a disguised compliment.” — In Part Six: How to Keep from Worrying About Criticism, Remember That No One Ever Kicks a Dead Dog.
In the midst of real-life testimonials Dale Carnegie's book is full of these precious, simple and, sometimes, life-changing, ideas. We may have stumbled upon them in other readings however, I always find a new meaning when revisiting them.
Thank you for reading.
You can also read this article at Medium.
How I (really) clear my mind
At a certain point during our day, we all get stressed or overwhelmed with the work, the routine, the deadlines, the goals … and need to clear our mind.
Just a few moments to step back, before we get back on track.
Here's what I usually do, when I need to clear my mind, stop freaking out, and focus on what's important.
Work out
It seems that my mind gets much more cluttered if I stop working out for a couple of days. So I try to avoid this by all means!
That's why I work out everyday. Even if it is just for 5 minutes. Even if is just a simple yoga pose to stretch my lower back.
Not everybody can stop their work, and hit the gym, but at least consider doing it at the end of the day. It releases a lot of stress, and you feel even more relaxed after a good warm bath.
Avoid technology
Even if it's just for a half an hour.
This is a tough one for me. I usually have a hard time staying away from email, but I force myself not to hit the "refresh" button by thinking how much more productive I can be if I don't check my email every 5 minutes.
*Another popular technique is to allow yourself some play time on the internet every hour or every couple of hours, just 5 or 10 minutes.
Listen to guitar solos/instrumental tunes
It's my ultimate energy and mood booster.
Whenever I feel too much stress or I really need to focus, I pick up my favorite instrumental tunes. In 2 to 5 minutes I start getting "in the zone", and all the superficial thoughts fade away.
Any instrumental song by John Butler Trio, John Frusciante or Kaki King are my favorites. Mozart and Beethoven's string concertos are awesome too.
The only rule: turn the volume up!
Go for a walk
A big slice of our time is spent sitting down in front of a computer. Every day. And our neck and back do not approve. At least my lower-back doesn't!
So, from time to time during my work day I stretch my arms.
I always try to walk around while eating my snacks, just to force myself to stand up and stretch for a bit.
If there is a park near the office, it's even better. A short, 5 to 10 minute walk after lunch, is awesome to think about the next thing you are going to work on, or just shut down and listen to your favorite music.
Well, this is what I do. I would love to hear about how you de-clutter your mind.
Thanks!
You can also read this article at Medium.