1% improvements
When you think about becoming a better programmer, your mind immediately goes to learning theory, reading a substantial book, or working on a sick project. And while that is the best way to improve 99% of the time, I want to mention a few easy things to implement that have helped me improve by 1%.
Tried and true
Drinking coffee
I used to avoid coffee at all costs. I hated how jittery it would make me and I didn't want to get addicted to the point of experiencing withdrawals. However, what started as an innocent way to impress my wife (she's an addict) has now morphed into my own love for coffee. And it's really sad to say this but coffee quite literally fixes all of my problems. My mood is noticeably better, I can focus for hours and easily get in flow state, and I have a ton of energy. I know a majority of people drink coffee so this isn't exactly a revelation but I will say that the key for me is only having small amounts a few times a week. This way when I do drink coffee, I get the full effects of the caffeine. Moderation is very very important imo.
Working anywhere but my house
Yeah, work from home is great, but I am such a better worker when I'm out of the house. At the house, I want to relax, hang out with my wife, play with my dog. I don't want to work. That's why I have to get out of the house and work at a co-working place or some coffee shop. The other thing I really miss when I work at home is human contact. I find that having people around me, especially people who are also working, makes it easier to want to focus. Of course, I don't always work out of the house. There are times when I just need to be horizontal and crank out some code on the couch. But getting a few days out of the house has been incredibly helpful for me.
Getting enough sleep
"Wow, getting enough sleep, who would of thought." No but seriously guys, get enough sleep. While I do love coffee, don't let it become a crutch for you. Get a full 8 hours (this is my magic number) and go to bed early. When you start to feel sleepy, give in. Don't let the fomo dictate your sleep schedule. Beyond giving me energy (and every other major health benefit), I've found that not getting enough sleep gives me vertigo so it's something I have to be super careful about. Who would have thought that ignoring of the most vital ways of taking care of your body would have negative effects!
Having a side project
Just like, do anything man. Pick something you're interested in and let your mind go wild. Because I work for such a small start up, my work has become my full time work and my side project BUT once I get more time, I can't wait to do something that serves no purpose except make me happy.
Testing out
Walking as soon as I get frustrated
I find that going for a walk is something I have to really really convince myself to do because I tend to feel guilty about walking away from the laptop. But there are moments when pounding away on the keys like a monkey has diminishing returns. Whenever I go out and feel the sun, my outlook on life is completely changed. I can come back refreshed and with a new outlook towards the problem. In fact, I can't mention how many times I've walked away and then immediately figured out how to fix something.
Reading more, phone less
Big phone guy. But what if I was... less phone guy? What if I was book guy? Well it's something I've been trying lately and it's so hard. It's going to take at least a few years to get this nailed down but I'm trying my darnedest. The issue is finding a book is hard. Do I want to read fiction? Feels like a waste of time. Do I want to read something rooted in reality? Boooooring. Finding a balance is hard but I think I can get there.
Haven’t tried yet
Drinking coffee… everyday
Ok so coffee makes me feel good. And don't I want to feel good everyday? See, this is where things get interesting. I know that if I drink everyday, I will build a tolerance and it will be hard to get the benefits. But I also feel like if I give in, then I could escape the afternoon sleepiness. This is a bad idea. Right guys? Right?
Lifting
If you've seen me in real life, it isn't hard to believe that this is in the "haven't tried" category. I just see a lot of folks talk about how lifting has helped them out a lot. Getting strong can't be a bad thing. Also, it feels like this could prevent injuries like carpal tunnel (just being 30 y/o things 😍) and my terrible posture. Idk, seems dope.