Random Thoughts (4/4/18)

1) I've had no time to make notes so far in my POT posting. It's been all out "studying stuff that I encounter" mode, as I see and do things I've never did before, along with the relatively later times of going home, and fitting in time to go to the gym. Needing to sleep earlier also did not help (see below) any efforts to invest time in making notes. 

2) I really need to get my sleep deprivation and stimulant-laden life in check. The other day, I had a cup of coffee and 2 cups of green tea by 11 am. My heart rate? 70. And of course I was sleepy. And so there was a dilemma along with being a powerlifter: what are the differentials when I've a headache? Is it sleep deprivation/caffeine withdrawal/caffeine overload/viral illness/some other causes? How about bodyache: was it DOMS or viral illness (a bit weird to have back muscle ache after a bench session? And both symptoms together? In the end, sleep was what gave me the most relief. And 2 tablets of paracetamol of course.

3) Being the Malaysian Tony Roma's Ribs Eating Champion 2 years in a row, of course I'd like to win again. But if I plan to sit for the Final FCAI viva in November, it could potentially clash with the plans. The first competition was held on a Saturday, while the more recent one was held on a Sunday. The exams will be either on Tuesday/Wednesday Dublin time (going back timezones). Either I should fly on a Sunday night, or skip the exam for another few months: the voucher prize has been invaluable to save money on family treats outside.

4) After my bench press accident, I've started learning to bench in a power rack after looking up how to bench press safely alone (as I don't trust non-powerlifting spotters). So far so good, but I wonder if the bench will always be available when I do come to the gym to use it over at the power rack. 

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Bill Hartman on Two Strategies to Get Things Done

So he talks about two general strategies for GTD (getting things done):

“Eating frogs or making snowballs.

...

The frog is the most important task that you need to complete, but because of it’s perceived demand, it’s also something you’ll most likely procrastinate on.

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You can “eat the frog” by getting up early and going to the gym first thing. Workout completed and the rest of the day is easier because you’ll no long worry about getting it done.

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The second strategy is The Snowball Method.

This is actually based on a debt reduction strategy promoted by Dave Ramsey where you pay off the smallest debt first and then the next largest and so on, but you can modify it to any behavior modification challenge you’re facing.

The idea is that you address the low hanging fruit of your behaviors first. Do something small, simple, and measurable toward your goals.”

But he qualifies further by saying: 

“I can’t say that one is more powerful than the other, but I’ve used both successfully. The key is to take some form of action, right or wrong. Act.”

So just kick your own balls, get up and get at it. That's probably the most important message.

Edit: I forgot to link to the original article.

Apple's Recent Education Envent

It was interesting watching the recent-most Apple keynote event, and for me it wasn't about necessarily about the products (hardware and software) announced. Instead the event highlighted what I said before about the focus of American education: maximizing participation and engagement. During my easily distracted time mostly listening to the event, never did they stress increasing test scores as a completely objective measure of success among the schoolchildren as part of their salespitch. This is in comparison to the annual publication of list of schools with the best SPM results and source of bragging rights. American educations looks to be very focused on the process while ours is heavily results based (and influenced by our British ex-colonizers). I guess both are needed: a good process ensures that education is fun and doesn't skip steps in creating a human. Having a bit of a results-oriented mindset gives a nudge to compete and give a bit more effort, but not to the point of kids committing suicide from "poor" results. Nevertheless, with the economy as it is, I don't see the competitive mindset cooling down anytime in the current generation of generally East/Southeast Asian schoolchildren.

Do spend your time watching it.