Food for Thought

Learning Tips

Sometimes, the simplest things to do are the most important. This is because the more complicated things usually depend on the simpler things. You cannot get Land Development projects done if the surveyors do not do their job right. You cannot do Algebra if you do not learn arithmetic first. You need to understand the Alphabet, before writing words or sentences.

Earlier steps are not always simpler, but the previous step of something that the next step depends on is more important in some sense because of that dependency.

Another key item is timing in understanding a concept. If you learn a concept too late or, the wrong way the first time, that will have a negative impact on learning another concept based on the previous correctly later on.

When studying – before learning a topic – flip through each page and scan the content. This is useful especially at the beginning of a class. Your senses are also heightened when some are taken away, if you study you can study with just the left eye and then just the right opened you might just retain more information.

Work Tips

At work it may be easier to convey in an email a screenshot with a short description in writing. Rather than writing paragraph upon paragraph, a screenshot that conveys most of what you would be saying anyways and some explanation goes a long way and can save time. Just as the saying goes: “a picture is worth a thousand words”.

Another useful technique I found was “quiet perseverance”. Sometimes the same problems appear at work, or there might be a problem that you can solve without asking your supervisor. Or, someone might ask you a question at work. It might take a while for something to click, but especially when trying to find or sort something with quiet perseverance while actively looking for a solution can help with solving questions other co-workers cannot resolve right away. Of course, taking notes and asking specific questions is not a bad idea either.

And just because you do not give up, does not mean that everything is perfect or that you should not be asking questions. That should be the minimum. Remember, your boss and your co-workers are counting on you!

Quirky Work Stress Tips

I, personally wear sunglasses when the computer screen waters down my eyes. Sometimes I wear a hood to keep my head warm and keep me focused. I also get in the habit of bringing a bottle of water to relieve stress after drinking from it. This may also sound a bit weird, but feeling with your hands or rubbing your fingers can also relieve some stress. Getting some sunlight or vitamin D can also help.

This concludes the 1^st mixed-bag blog!