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Ask HN: Is there a new habit you cultivated recently that is really paying off?

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321–330 of 478 posts

Re: Ask HN: Is there a new habit you cultivated recently that is really paying off?

#321

I started sshing into my desktop at home to write code. I've never been so liberated. I can literally code from any computer I borrow (friends or library) and pick up exactly where I left off (tmux session) with the same text-editor configuration (vim) instantly. I realized that my previous desire to have the latest macbook so excessive, and now I'm happy with just a light and durable $200 chromebook. I teach a few p…

What environment/language do you primarily code in?

Re: Ask HN: Is there a new habit you cultivated recently that is really paying off?

#322
Going to libraries. In 35 years I don’t even think I stepped inside one. One day two years ago I read that a nearby library (Sunnyvale, CA) had audiobooks and I decided to check it out, because I wanted something to listen on my commute.

Mind. Blown.

Books, movies, comics, computers, printers, ebooks, audiobooks, board games, chidren’s area, and lots more. All for free.

The way my audiobook library app works (Overdrive) is that you can add different library cards from different library “networks”. So Sunnyvale and a bunch of Mountain View and Cupertino libraries are part of one network, while San Francisco libraries are from another network, and so are San Mateo, or San Jose, or Monterey.

So I’ve been collecting library cards. 15 so far. Even went to Sacramento to get a card. On my way back I stopped at Contra Costa county, Berkeley and the Oakland.

Where I saw video game titles. Mind. Blown. Again. I found other libraries close to home with video games, and now I regularly check out children games for my son.

Almost every weekend I go the library, to get videogames, blu-rays and dvds. And I can actually put a hold on the titles online.

Libraries are just amazing.

Re: Ask HN: Is there a new habit you cultivated recently that is really paying off?

#324

Saying "no" more often, surely but compassionately and kindly. It allowed me to claim back some of my own time back. I don't mean a gruff and negative "no". A positive and assertive no. I used to be afraid of saying no. I guess it was due to FOMO or due to trying to avoid a negative reaction. I realized though that I don't owe anyone anything (in most cases) and saying "no" is perfectly OK.

This is something I've been trying to do for years. Glad to hear its working well for you!

Re: Ask HN: Is there a new habit you cultivated recently that is really paying off?

#325
post #33

Stop buying stuff. I was a compulsive spender. Never bought on credit mind but I’d blow my entire paycheque after bills on stuff like cameras, hifi, the latest Apple doodad, etc. I literally stopped buying anything not required for my day to day sustenance. No Netflix, started renting what I wanted to watch which forced me to be more picky with my expenditure and time. No more eating out except for special occasions.…

Would like to add "habit of drinking water" to this list. ANY beverage whether its coffee, soda, tea - is easily 4 to 6 dollars and is an entirely made up requirement.

Ever tried aeropress? Portable manual gadget, great coffee, approx 15 cents/cup

Re: Ask HN: Is there a new habit you cultivated recently that is really paying off?

#326
Running outside.

I've lost a lot of weight, I feel noticeably fitter/stronger, and I find it really helps to calm down if I've had a crazy day at work. Sometimes I think through things, sometimes my mind is strangely blank. Either way I come back feeling calmer and more settled afterwards. I wouldn't say I "enjoy" running (getting ready to go for a run is still a struggle), but once I am out and have been moving for 5 minutes or so it feels like it was worth it as I get a little bit of a buzz out of it.

It can be a little time-consuming, e.g. get ready, run for 40-60 minutes, shower & get changed again etc so you're looking at 1.5 or more hours of time gone. I try to run to work now so that I can replace the commute with running and get showered for the day at work (I take work clothes in with me in a backpack) so that saves a bit of time.

Running on a treadmill in a gym simply does not compare - the feeling of the running is different, the scenery never changes, and its too hot/no air movement.

Best advice for anyone considering starting is: start out slow and dont try to go too fast (it feels a lot slower than running on a treadmill at the gym), build the distance up slowly (I started with just under a mile and considered that an achievement, now I do 5-6 miles or so), listen to your body - if something really hurts then stop and get it checked out by a physio, and get an app that tracks your pace and speed etc (I use run keeper but I know others like strava - run keeper gives you audio read outs on pace etc). I've found a decent pair of bluetooth headphones and a running-belt/-band to put my phone in have been totally worth it (the arm-pockets you see a lot were either way too tight or slip around too much for me)

Good luck :)

Re: Ask HN: Is there a new habit you cultivated recently that is really paying off?

#327

I started meditating recently after having been carpet-bombed by its potential benefits for years across various media and platforms, and now, after a few weeks of regular practice, I must say this -- I was pleasantly surprised by how much my outlook toward life changed since I started practicing 'mindfulness' -- a type of meditation involving focusing on the present moment with the understanding that buzzing thought…

I was about to post the same. Guided meditation has improved my life drastically. 10 minutes on the mornings, helps me to stop rushing it. 10 minutes at the end of the day, refresh me for the next 2-3 hours.

Currently, using the Headspace app. And it is not cheap, where I live it cost roughly (about 1/4 of a monthly college degree job salary), it was worth every penny.

Trying to get my girlfriend to use it. No luck so far.

Re: Ask HN: Is there a new habit you cultivated recently that is really paying off?

#328

I started sshing into my desktop at home to write code. I've never been so liberated. I can literally code from any computer I borrow (friends or library) and pick up exactly where I left off (tmux session) with the same text-editor configuration (vim) instantly. I realized that my previous desire to have the latest macbook so excessive, and now I'm happy with just a light and durable $200 chromebook. I teach a few p…

How did you get your company to agree to this? I feel like most companies would immediately shut this down since you're storing company secrets on a non-approved computer.

Your company has no say regarding "ssh into my desktop at home".

Re: Ask HN: Is there a new habit you cultivated recently that is really paying off?

#330

Reducing my portions for food, even if it's healthy stuff. I've found that it's helped me drop a considerable amount of weight yet still be able to have things I want to have, even if they're unhealthy. I started playing around with it towards the end of college and its helped me reduce food spending, intake, overall weight, and I've been shrinking dishes so the dishes I do have to do are smaller. In the vein of redu…

> Reducing my portions for food

I incorporated a simple mental trick into my life, that hopefully works: I started using smaller plates. Visually, portions look bigger, so I'm more likely to put less food on my plate.

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