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Resolutions for programmers (2012)

matt.might.net

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Re: Resolutions for programmers (2012)

#81

Post by cabinpark »

base698 wrote: post #77
richmt wrote: post #48

On the health note, the single most beneficial thing I did for myself this year was to start lifting. 6 months ago I started committing 3 days a week to a strength training program which I've strictly followed since. Making gains in the gym has motivated me to sleep better and eat better which both have had huge effects on every aspect of my life. Not only that, but the exercise has helped a ton with anxiety I've had…

I even more urge people taking this advice to read and go slow. It's super easy to hurt yourself if you end up with bad technique or go up in weight too fast--anything more than 5 lbs at a time is too fast. Read Starting Strength for some of the technical background and get some help from a friend who actually knows what proper technique looks like.

I cannot emphasize this point enough. If you are new to the gym, please get a personal trainer (or someone who knows wtf they are doing) for a session or two to show you the correct form. It's more important that you are doing the exercise correctly with no weight than incorrectly with a lot.

Re: Resolutions for programmers (2012)

#82

Post by dorfsmay »

richmt wrote: post #48

On the health note, the single most beneficial thing I did for myself this year was to start lifting. 6 months ago I started committing 3 days a week to a strength training program which I've strictly followed since. Making gains in the gym has motivated me to sleep better and eat better which both have had huge effects on every aspect of my life. Not only that, but the exercise has helped a ton with anxiety I've had…

I'm assuming you mean you are committed to do weight lifting 3 times a week, not that you have dedicated 3 entire days per week to it, right?

Edit: I'm surprised by the downvotes, I was just asking for a clarification, "committing 3 days per week" could mean dedicate 3 days just to that.

Re: Resolutions for programmers (2012)

#83

Post by sarciszewski »

Initial reactions to each of these list items:

> 1. Go analog.

Hahahaha NO. I get paid to solve problems, not be happy or healthy.

> 2. Stay healthy.

"Stay" healthy? Heh, for me and a lot of programmers I've known, that ship has long since sailed. Maybe "become" healthy would be more appropriate.

> 3. Embrace the uncomfortable.

Well, if more people did this, we'd probably not have religious conflicts.

> 4. Learn a new programming language.

Yes. Usually a good idea.

> 5. Automate.

Yes. Automate more, hire less.

> 6. Learn more mathematics.

This could be useful for most people.

> 7. Focus on security.

I already do this, but I agree that most programmers should focus more on security every day.

> 8. Back up your data.

Ditto with security.

> 9. Learn more theory.

This could be useful for most people.

> 10. Engage the arts and humanities.

Ugh, hell no. That's for other people to enjoy.

> 11. Learn new software.

Yes.

> 12. Complete a personal project.

Wait, you mean to tell me that "start a personal project and actually finish it" is a thing people are capable of?

Re: Resolutions for programmers (2012)

#84

Post by jacquesm »

CaptSpify wrote: post #51
codyb wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Maybe it's just because my pops built most of the furniture in my house, but building a desk which can support a computer and last doesn't strike me as a particular project prone to failure. A lot of us are engineers who work on much more complex problems (although it's true that you must measure twice and cut once with wood working).

Remember though: A lot of computer-engineers are good with ideas, not their hands |;)

Lots of computer engineers are good and some even great with their hands. And with the older generation that skews even further towards being good with both (after all, you needed a soldering iron + skills first if you wanted to learn how to program).

Re: Resolutions for programmers (2012)

#85

Post by dpweb »

pc86 wrote: post #34
dpweb wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Build a standing desk.. Two resolutions - a hobby (learn carpentry) and health benefits!

The health benefits are at best questionable.[0] [1] [2] [3] [0] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/standing-desk-sitting-da... [1] http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/article... [2] https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2014/1... [3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/stand...

Anything is questionable, but (in the USA at least) https://www.google.com/webhp#q=how+many+obese+people+in+usa

burning more cals is better https://www.google.com/webhp#q=how+many+calories+burned+stan...

Re: Resolutions for programmers (2012)

#86

Post by aschreyer »

richmt wrote: post #48

On the health note, the single most beneficial thing I did for myself this year was to start lifting. 6 months ago I started committing 3 days a week to a strength training program which I've strictly followed since. Making gains in the gym has motivated me to sleep better and eat better which both have had huge effects on every aspect of my life. Not only that, but the exercise has helped a ton with anxiety I've had…

You don't necessarily have to only lift in order to gain health benefits. Generally I would simply recommend to pick a sport and try to become the best you can be and the rewards will follow soon, not only physically but also psychologically. Could be anything, cycling, running, tennis, martial arts - lifting works great of course. I myself switched from lifting to gymnastics strength training and couldn't be happier.

Re: Resolutions for programmers (2012)

#87

Post by mjburgess »

sarciszewski wrote: post #83

Initial reactions to each of these list items: > 1. Go analog. Hahahaha NO. I get paid to solve problems, not be happy or healthy. > 2. Stay healthy. "Stay" healthy? Heh, for me and a lot of programmers I've known, that ship has long since sailed. Maybe "become" healthy would be more appropriate. > 3. Embrace the uncomfortable. Well, if more people did this, we'd probably not have religious conflicts. > 4. Learn a ne…

> I get paid to solve problems, not be happy or healthy.

> that ship has long since sailed

> that's for other people to enjoy.

> is a thing people are capable of?

You seem very unhappy.

Re: Resolutions for programmers (2012)

#88

Post by sarciszewski »

mjburgess wrote: post #87
sarciszewski wrote: post #83

Initial reactions to each of these list items: > 1. Go analog. Hahahaha NO. I get paid to solve problems, not be happy or healthy. > 2. Stay healthy. "Stay" healthy? Heh, for me and a lot of programmers I've known, that ship has long since sailed. Maybe "become" healthy would be more appropriate. > 3. Embrace the uncomfortable. Well, if more people did this, we'd probably not have religious conflicts. > 4. Learn a ne…

> I get paid to solve problems, not be happy or healthy. > that ship has long since sailed > that's for other people to enjoy. > is a thing people are capable of? You seem very unhappy.

Pretty much, but who really gives a shit?
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