Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Time Management: An Art
We get it, you are busy with your business start-up or building your career in software development. How good are you at managing your time though? Do you always wish that there were more hours in a day or wonder where in the world has the time gone? Here are a couple tips that will make you a pro at making the most of the 24 hours in a day. First of all, make it a habit to track how you spend your time. Do it for a week and see where time is wasted, and then learn from it. You should also compare your time estimates to the time that was actually spent on a task. This will also give you a better picture of where you stand. Try doing similar tasks in scheduled blocks of time. It will help you focus and get more done because you will not be wasting time changing mindsets when you switch tasks. When in between those blocks, it is important to give yourself time to recharge with a quick walk outside or some meditation. Lastly, plan ahead, even for distractions.
Monday, June 22, 2015
What Are You Afraid Of?
Fear can be both good and bad. It mostly depends on the context. It can be paralyzing and one of the best motivators. I think it is up to you to decide what light you see it in. Since we are bound to experience fear, why not put it in a light that is to our advantage. We can use it to push harder and become more. So what are you afraid of doing? The next question is what would it take for you to do it? If it is a business that you are afraid of starting because it would mean that you leave the comfort of having a steady paycheck, you need to realize that nothing, not even a paycheck is worth sacrificing your dreams and happiness. So go out there, set up a plan, and take a leap. You do not have to drop everything just yet. There are ways to start especially with an online presence and web applications. You should look into the resources online too. It is important in life to break down barriers and take that jump. You can always build the parachute on the way down.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
WebAssembly
Browser engineers are coming together to bring fast web applications to the masses. It is a project called WebAssembly and aims to give developers an alternative to JavaScript which has significantly slowed down the internet. By joining forces, programmers can be confident that wasm has a mainstream future. They could write browser-based versions of a new class of software for things like performance-intensive gaming, video editing and virtual reality exploration. The usual problem with programs being written in one language or another is that browsers have to agree to support it. Also, if programs are running over cloud services, it will be able to work on any operating system and it will save room on the local drive. Not to mention, the program will be much faster. Interestingly enough, even though the developers are coming together to make this language work, it will create more competition in the computing industry in the long run.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
How to Impress Anyone
The first few seconds of a first encounter are driven by instinctive reactions. This means that you need to be aware of your body language and tone. People are more drawn to enthusiasm and confidence than arrogance and impatience. You should also feed expectations which means that it is not the time to surprise the other person with a different side of your personality. If you can get the other person talking and keep them talking, odds are they'll be drawn to you. Be interested and open-minded; ask questions that spark their imagination and ignite conversation. On the side of appearance, it is best to overdress than underdress, even though you see all those new hires at web development companies wearing jeans and hoodies. Treat every connection you make as if it's the most important thing you've ever done. Because, frankly, you never know when it actually will be.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Responding to Long Periods of Sitting
By now, you would have probably seen all the evidence against sitting for long periods of time and how it can increase the risk of major diseases. In many offices, particularly software development companies, there are now standing desks. Those can have their own side effects of loss of productivity and painful lower backs. The real question is just how much standing or moving around is enough. Are we supposed take a stroll or run around the block several times? A new study offers some helpful perspective, suggesting that even a few minutes per hour of moving instead of remaining in a chair might substantially reduce the harms of oversitting. It really just takes two minutes of walking to lower the risk. Of course, the study needs more data and further research but it still seems like we are on the right track.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Job Interview Advice
When it comes to job interviews, it can be utterly nerve wrecking. It does not matter if you are there in person or using internet phone services, you need to have "studied" for this test well in advance. Since many people worry about saying the wrong thing in an interview, you should remember not to say anything obviously stupid like badmouthing your previous employer and you should use your experience and education to make the argument as to why you would be the perfect fit for the job. Making a good first impression might start earlier than you think such as when you are waiting with the receptionist or even in the elevator. Also, make sure to smile because it can really go a long way. The way to sell yourself is to read up on the company's mission statement and practice saying how you could add to that mission statement. You should also practice saying your accomplishments out loud. Prepare for it as if your life depends on it, because in some ways it does. When you got ready for a final in school, you started several weeks ahead of time. Read up on the industry in general and not just the company where your interview is. Be over prepared, although I do not think there is such a thing.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Tricks for that Happy Feeling
Let me just get it out there that my absolute best therapist has four legs and a short stubby tail. When you interact with your pet, your body is more likely to release that warm and fuzzy hormone, oxytocin. After you are done playing with Fido, put on some music while you count your blessings. Being grateful has shown to improve moods dramatically. Another great way to get your happy on is to meditate. If you are the type that has a hard time with it, try out some mobile applications for the meditation. You could also try going outside for a walk or an intense exercise session. After all of that find some of those friends that tend to be happy all the time and go hand out with them. Like, in person. It might be a good idea to put away all those communications services and see someone face to face. When you are with them without any devices, you have a chance to really listen and that can go a long way in relationships.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Technologies Affected by the Internet of Things
In simple terms, the internet of things is being able to connect everything in your home from the lights to the fridge to the coffee maker. Connecting everything means that you will be able to have access to them right through your smartphone or any other internet connected device. Putting everything online is just the first step. You will also be able to collect the data using a cloud service and it can be used to function better and more efficiently. One of the advantages is that you will have a piece of mind about your home as far as security goes. A few sensors, detectors, smart plugs, IP cameras, a smart phone or a tablet and you are the master of your home, or office at any time and from anywhere. Cars will be better able to function and avoid accidents and even traffic through the use of big data. The internet of things and big data is also poised to really shake up the healthcare industry because it will let people monitor their own health and see the bigger picture.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Ways to Unplug
This is a very fast paced world that we live in where everything is always on and you are expected to be available 24/7. You tend to be looking at some sort of screen most of the time whether it is a mobile application or a computer. One of the things that you could do is cook something. The trick here is to find a recipe and then print it out and use that to cook. Keeping the screen out of the process will help you enjoy it more and it has so many health benefits. You could also write a thank you note. Like using actual pen and paper to write it. It will remind both of you why you are lucky to have each other. You could also put those sneakers on and grab your buddy, four legged or two, and get out there and move. Once you get back lay on your back and stick your feet up the wall. Just five minutes a day of sitting like that will have tremendous effects. Another great way to unplug is to read a book. You know those things that are bound and written on paper?
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Stress Busting
Life and work can be stressful, especially if you are in software development. The landscape is constantly changing and it feels like you are working on updates more so than the actual concept. One of the things that you can do to banish stress is to change your passwords. This would be great on so many different levels. First of all, you are going to be increasing the security of your accounts. Secondly, thinking of creative passwords that you enter so many times throughout the day will give you pause every time you type it such as BH@ppy2day. You could also find someone to hug to get rid of that stress. Hugging someone causes you to release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes pro-social behaviors that can contribute to relaxation, trust and compassion. You could write down those problems that are nagging you. It can be amazing just how different a problem looks when it is on paper. So here is to having a better day.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Truly Get On Your Way To De-stessing
We live in a world where we are always running and never stop to take a deep breath and take a look around. We are always so busy with our software development projects and internet phone conferences that we forget how to live. And unless there is a saber tooth kitty about to chase us at any moment, the amount of stress that we experience is just way too much. One of the things that you can do is to daydream by gazing out the window. You might need to find that window first depending on where you work. Your body will automatically relax and as an added bonus, daydreaming can help boost your creativity. You can also tap on your body from the feet up. Use your knuckles to gently tap your way up your body. Focus your attention on the sensations. Tapping is very important when it comes to relieving stress and re-energizing. Lastly, find a pen and just doodle. I find the zen doodles to be very relaxing and it can also stimulate that creative side that you have hiding.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
The Internet of Things in a City
With predictions that 66% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2050, Internet of Things technology is increasingly drawing the attention of city planners, engineers and architects keen on staying ahead of the curve — they're imagining a world with smart street lamps, smart sidewalks and even smart sewage systems. This is not the internet for just web development anymore. In the connected city, there would also be drones making deliveries which in the long run would save money. An interesting part of this concept of connected things is that it is virtually invisible and the cities that are already taking advantage of being so connected look just like any other city. Different metric will be able to be measured in real time giving data that is time based as well as the ability to respond in to the data in real time. Things will also be more energy and cost efficient. This paves the way to living more sustainably. You might be thinking well what is the hold up? First there is the initial cost of setting all this up and secondly, many people are having a hard time buying into it. What are your thoughts?
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Keeping an Eye on Your Employees
Did you know that it is estimated that companies spend more that $750 billion paying people for work that is actually not being done? I am not a huge fan of someone alway watching my affairs but when it comes to being in a work place getting place for their work, they should not expect privacy. That is the bottom line. There are some things that employers can do to mitigate the expenses that are associated with people not doing what they are supposed to be doing. Software development and services have come far enough that you can access your employees' computer whenever you want and see what is happening in real time. You can also install video and audio surveillance systems that can record everything and that you can access from any remote location via your laptop and watch and listen in real time. You can also install GPS tracking devices on company vehicles to track salespeople, installers, delivery drivers, and the like who are out in the field.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Do One Thing at a Time
If I can juggle five things at once, I’ll be more effective. If more effective, more productive. If more productive, more successful. The more successful, the happier. It all makes sense. Have you ever been caught in that line of thought? We think that if we do more things now, we will have more time later. The truth of the matter is that when we try to do too many things at once, we are not giving out full attention to any one thing. I bet you are even multi-tasking right now. Do you have music playing somewhere? It there an internet phone service that is demanding your attention? I thought so. Now imagine what would happen if we did one thing at a time? There would be more focus and better decision making which would lead to more productivity because we are able to make better choices. We would also be living more in the moment which research has shown that it is connected to being happier. And isn't that the whole point?
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