develpreneur podcast
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Developing Automation – Avoiding The Brute-Force Solution

We can code for a quick solution, or we can focus on developing automation for the same.  There are times when we stumble across the latter while concentrating on the former.  However, it is better to focus on automating the solution.  This approach is not science, but the steps can help you overcome obstacles when you hit a brick wall. Steps For Developing Automation It is critical to understand that a process must be well-defined before we can begin work on automation.  Therefore, it is worth our time to gather all of the requirements.  Once we have collected those, we can work on a general solution.  If that is too big a step, then start with a simple, specific answer... Read more

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Fun With Puzzles and Problem-Solving

It may seem odd, but one of the great things to embrace in life is puzzles.  Whether you prefer crosswords, sudoku or any of the other puzzles out there, they can all provide more than a fun past-time. Stay Sharp The first benefit of puzzles and mental challenges is that they help you stay sharp.  This may seem like just more work.  However, one of the keys to good health is keeping mentally healthy.  There are a lot of positive side effects of good mental health, and that includes things like a general sense of well-being.  It even makes you more likely to be happy. Although there are a lot of apps that you can use to scratch your puzzle itch,... Read more

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Learn From Others (Before Becoming an Entrepreneur)

One of the attributes of a successful entrepreneur is a sense for what not to do.  They still take risks, but the successful ones are either very lucky or have a good set of business skills.  These skills can be learned but experience is often the best teacher.  That is why those that are successful find a way to learn from others in prior jobs as an employee. One Step At A Time The idea of being an entrepreneur is in fashion.  It has become a dream of many people that want to emulate after seeing the success stories of silicon valley unicorns.  These young entrepreneurs are more successful when they go out into the business world before starting their... Read more

improve technical skills
Posted on Become a Better Developer

Improve Technical Skills Through Practice

All skills have a combination of natural talent, effort, and experience.  Technical skills are no different.  You can improve professional skills by practicing them in your daily responsibilities.  Yes, you should take advantage of this, and you likely have little say in this form of practice.  On the other hand, you can focus on becoming a better developer through intentional efforts to improve your problem-solving skills as well. Practice Makes Perfect There are two common ways to practice your problem-solving skills.  One works with new code and one with prior problems solved.  For new issues, take some time to think through them without referring to notes or previous examples of your work.  This step will at least help you get better... Read more

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Improve Productivity – Pick Up Your Head And Plan

How often have you been too busy to consider ways to improve productivity?  Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon problem.  We can easily get buried in day-to-day tasks and details.  However, our best way forward often requires us to pick our heads up. Improve Productivity With Planning I think we all learn somewhere along the way that design and planning make us more likely to be successful in any endeavor.  That makes it all the more frustrating when we find ourselves buried in the weeds.  You are not alone in this challenge.  IT work often carries a lot of details and small tasks that drag us away from our primary work and goals. The key to winning this battle is quality over quantity.  It... Read more

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Buying Toys and Enjoying Life

Once we become adults we often relegate playing as something that died along with our childhood.  This can often be a mistake.  A trip for buying toys may look very different as an adult.  However, it can still be one that refreshes us and triggers those same positive feelings we get with any reward. Buying Toys Can Be Practical The first thing to get clear is what toys mean.  These are anything that we get enjoyment from.  Thus, our toys can be things like tools, appliances, accessories, or even simple items.  In fact, our toy buying thrill may be triggered by a trip to pick up office supplies, silverware, or even giving to a charity. I think we try to justify... Read more