Learning the Hard Way

Learning a computer programming language is not like riding a bike. As someone that was fluent in web design languages in my middle school years and survived AP computer science in high school, it seems like all of the coding knowledge I have ever known has poured out of my brain.  While my friend is working on his masters in computer science, I am learning Ruby the hard way at home, and I have to start with learning the basic commands in Powershell.

This learn-from-home system that I'm jumping in to (it is now day 3 of this book) made me realize:

a) I have become really lazy about how I type and I look down at my hands more than a millennial should

b) How important it is to schedule personal time and stick to it

c) I really needed a free hobby

When I get stuck in the social media catch-22, or when I'm tempted to buy craft supplies for a new project, I can open up these lessons and feel productive without spending money.  Also, making a conscious decision to do this one thing for a least an hour every day is one more thing that I can use to block out my daily schedule.  This year I have been putting more effort into my social life, but learning to arrange these "whatever day works for you" type of plans is tricky with a sparse work schedule, so I have been scheduling coding, yoga, and running time for myself to add some more structure to my day.

It is not easy to keep a date with yourself.

I think that acknowledging that is what's causing me to make such an effort. My personal time does not need to be spent lounging to make me feel rested and refreshed.  Learning a new thing and challenging my brain is empowering. Getting to the mat every day brings me peace and an open heart. The time I spend (read as: waste) playing Pocket Mortys just doesn't provide the same positive momentum in my life that productive personal time does. Acknowledging that hasn't helped me stop just yet.

This week, write your personal time into your schedule. Do more than just pencil it in, really set aside time each day to focus on something you enjoy and that makes you more whole.

Best,