How to Maximize Your Productivity (As a Software Developer or Learning Programming)

[@AndySterkowitz]

So what do you think...are you being effective and productive with your time right now? Is there anything I missed?

[@JarlThorson]

If you are interested in hacking your habits to be a better learner or more productive, I would suggest reading "A Mind For Numbers" by Dr. Barbara Oakley. Awesome book that even talks about the pomodoro technique.

[@Man0fSteell]

Yes you definitely missed out on cardio and Lifting weights. There is nothing more refreshing than that.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Chris Butler thanks for the suggestion. It's now on my list of books to read.

[@AndySterkowitz]

ManOfSteel completely agree. I love working out but have not been able to do it much lately because of my prioritization of KZbin and mentoring but it has amazing benefits for keeping me mentally fresh and reducing stress. Great call.

[@amisner2k]

No, I am not being effective and productive with my time right now. If I was, I wouldn't be here commenting on your KZbin video. Thanks a lot Andy Sterkowitz.

[@natnaelsisay1424]

What I learned from this video in general 1. Pamadoro 2. Schedule your day in advance. 3. Eliminate distractions to improve focus. and Thank you for the video

[@kandysman86]

I need to stop watching so many programming "self help" videos lol. That would help.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Lol there’s nothing wrong with watching them as a supplement to your learning. If that’s a bulk of your time spent then yes I’d definitely agree.

[@binhp7931]

loll word!!

[@kandysman86]

@さりん yes it is. You can watch the lectures for free. Obtain the course material for free, and apply yourself for free. And if you dedicate every free second building a professional portfolio, you will get work.

[@MihaiMatraguna]

That's my first video lol

[@kandysman86]

@Datboy MC no

[@ThePostalGril]

him: stop wasting time me: wastes time watching videos about not wasting time

[@The_SherSher]

I notice the same thing with purchasing anything (books, magazines, etc.) that tells you how to save money, lol

[@antman7673]

I call it an investment. Gotta spend time to gain time.

[@nicuvrabii8052]

Cool video! It's highly inspiring in the mornings. What I do to improve my time management: 1. Tunnel vision - I set the timer for 45 minutes and I concentrate on a single task; 2. I've set three "social media breaks": 8am, 2pm and 8pm. Now I'm still working on that and I try to read/write messages / comment / like / repost no longer than 1h per day; 3. I plan a daily to do list; 4. I have a list of long and short term goals which keeps me on the track and doesn't allow me to make less relevant or emotionally influenced decisions. I hope my tips will be helpful

[@eddiejaoude]

I plan the night before, so when I wake up I am ready to go 👍🤓

[@AndySterkowitz]

A great idea that I didn't mention in the video. This is something I actually need to implement more as my life is getting incredibly complicated with coaching, KZbin and general work. Thanks for sharing Eddie.

[@eddiejaoude]

No problem. Its great to share and learn from each other. I find with open source work I am quite organised because I have been doing it for over a decade, I am in a routine. But as I have only recently started on KZbin, I need to get better organised with that and be more efficient :) . I need to watch more of your videos this weekend. Thanks for sharing.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Oh nice! I just checked out your channel nice work 😊 And yeah I feel like if you really want to crush it on KZbin you have to be organized. It takes a lot of planning and time management to execute all the necessary aspects. Good luck with the channel Eddie.

[@eddiejaoude]

Thank you Andy, I really appreciate it :). If you want to chat about Open Source let me know, I am very passionate about it, my Startup is fully Open Source and my team thought I was crazy but now love it ;)

[@AndySterkowitz]

Will do man! 👍

[@MedyGames]

Active learning / understanding can be very mentally exhausting. Straight up coding is easier since for the most part you already know what to do & ideally you got alot of practice to boost your confidence. In these scenarios it is actually benefical to stay in the "flow" / "not break the glass" & keep coding.

[@toberixng]

"I was obssesed with hustling, I felt any time I pent away from computer was me being lazy or me being not a hard worker" this statment is truly for me, you have said well brother

[@Luissarmiento-o2r]

I like the way you talk about the real life of a guy who does not have the ideal circumstances to make it through in this carrier. So far, you are offering real life practical tips. Personally, I tend to struggle with my time. I promise I will continue coming back to your videos.

[@muhammadumair9074]

And what are the challenges you face as a software developer ? I am just curious!

[@Luissarmiento-o2r]

I should say the challenge is as an student, the learning process. In a nut shell I work full time and am married and I am in my 30s. Are you familiar with any of this? Some times I wish I had more time to devote to learning code!

[@muhammadumair9074]

I am familiar with these challenge. learning process is definitely struggling period. especially when you are experienced and your boss expect from you to deliver fast. I am not married though but I can say my friend us married and he has to balance his life and that is hard. let me ask you that why learning process is a problem for you?

[@zoommair]

Love the Pomodoro technique! I find it helps a lot when I'm having trouble feeling motivated, but if I'm motivated I like to just keep going until I need a break. But I always make time for breaks.

[@pnard4130]

I cannot express my feelings when I’m listening my thoughts/fears from your side. It’s so good to see that I’m not the only one. Sometimes this coding career path seems impossible to climb. Sometimes I spend hours after a long and tiring workday and before I go to bed I realize that I couldn’t be able to make progress. Having a plan and using Pomodoro Technique, they seem to be of great help, I will search and dig into it. Watching someone that has made it make me believe in myself! Thank you ❤️

[@iTomAnks]

Saw an ad on the Tube yesterday for a 15 week code camp to help people land a programming job. It made me think that I should plan out the next few months of my learning journey week-by-week so I can also learn as much as I can in a short amount of time and not stray from my end goal (landing a programming job) Thanks for the inspiring vids as always!

[@iTomAnks]

Also I love Pomodoro, helps me remember to stretch at my desk regularly too :)

[@im.empimp]

When you're learning it's hard to plan out weeks in advance. A more practical approach is to simply commit to a certain amount of time daily (e.g. 30 min, an hour, 3 hours - every single day). If you're just starting off with web development, I recommend www.freecodecamp.org/ . Once you have the basics of JS under control, there smaller, but (in my experience) slightly more challenging topics over at nodeschool.io/#workshopper-list If you're the kind that wants support or encouragement, you might also be interested in www.100daysofcode.com/

[@sinanalagoz35]

to maximize your producitivity don't use social media, listen to pink floyd

[@AndySterkowitz]

Ha I am not a Pink Floyd fan. Should I be? What's a good song to listen to while working?

[@sinanalagoz35]

i suggest to listen to classical music works which are ones of great compesors like Vagner, Beethoven, Mozart if you're not interested progressive rock or whatever which can raise your spirits.

[@lubostar1]

Interstellar OST works for me the best :)

[@joseroux3625]

@@AndySterkowitz learning to fly!

[@NitishYadav-ny5hj]

Still numb. Comfortably.

[@BabyBalla3score]

Definitely agree. What I find most interesting is that I'll be struggling with an issue or a couple of issues all day at work and then 15 minutes after I leave work and am driving home some random solution will just pop into my mind.

[@AndySterkowitz]

It’s the craziest thing and it happens so often.

[@dec23]

Going mph can definitely cause burn out and in the end hurt your overall ability to learn. When your battery is going on empty, nothing is really settling in. And when you finally get a break, it takes that much longer to recharge. In my job I really try to pace myself. I go for a walk every morning and after lunch to clear my mind and see sunlight. Email notifications can also break your concentration when you're in the zone. I make sure I have my sound bell off so I can't hear it. :D

[@TheSlyDragon93]

Been using the Pomodoro technique which has significantly lessened my procrastination tenfold. My major flaw is not asking for help when I really need it.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Yeah the pomodoro technique can literally transform your efficiency overnight. It's hard to believe how ineffective I worked before finding out about it.

[@victormachimana4223]

I started out as a super productive junior developer at my company, spending long hours, going over and beyond. And now after a year with the company I just fill burned out and not as productive. Thank you Andy this is the exact advice that I needed, I think the pomodoro technique will definitely help me get my game on.

[@thehaze4041]

Listen to this Man! This advice can be used for any industry/type of work. I'm 34 and just now listening to successful people. It works people!

[@vision.inc.ministry]

Your a genuine guy. Bless you bro. I hope you have a great 2019

[@honglytech]

1. Pomodoro Technique: you can use Forest App 2. Plan for a day: spend 5 min in the morning 3. Focus on one thing at a time: checking emails or other stuff can be at hourly basis

[@infini.tesimo]

I agree with this. I'm learning to code on a totally difffent computer system so that really makes me pay attention to what I am doing. Although, I can only pay attention for a maximum of 2-4 hours if I am completely in the zone but that's total dedication. I have 10-30 min breaks to just not look at code and do anything but what I am trying to do just to mentally relax those muscles. This is all going to be put to the test in a week and a half with my coding bootcamp. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I'm trying to study right now but it's feels like it's overwhelming so I try to just learn what I can even if it's by video format and I am not coding at all. I do try to code though.

[@minus8008]

As an up and coming recent graduate with not much luck as of late, this video was a godsend not only to help me organize myself but also helped me relax as well. I've been incredibly hard on myself wanting to succeed so much that I've burn't out and lost control on my priorities. So thank you so much

[@chrislr4302]

I'm exactly practising the two brains process. I start the morning to load the context of my pupose at the morning and when my mind mapping is ready, I focus on my work during at least one hour using tunnel vision to achieve complex work.Then during a break I check with the other brain if something is missing , I often find big mistakes easy to fix because tunnel vision enable to do complex stuff but miss the big picture. The more complex stuff you do, the more you need break to release pressure.

[@Azukayoshi]

Great tips man, Guess one of the main struggles that I face is how fast new technologies, frameworks, coding techniques, appears and with that my desire to learn everything as fast as I can. Is kinda brutal this feeling of "I need to be up to date" every time a new brandy stuff shows out. Right now I'm working on that with the mindset of "I'll get there, maybe take me more time to reach it, but bro, I'll definitely reach it". This slow pace but still focused mindset is getting me in a good spot, I'm still feeling confident without losing the passion! Anyway, thanks for the advice! Keep up the good work.

[@oreostastegoods]

I started my first software development job out of college last week and this video has really opened my eyes. I'm glad I found this now rather than months or years from now.

[@NourLababidi]

You were able to put in words what I always tried to explain to my friends. I totally agree with you especially about the 2 minds and the 10 minutes planning at start. Thank you for sharing!

[@broglang9102]

Man i cant tell you enough how much i appreciate how you care so much to help people new to programming. Your channel is very helpful and very important my friend.

[@Conceptsexplainedsimply]

I really find a lot of value in this, because I'm in the last week of my full-stack bootcamp and I've gotta make a to-do app. I was trying to get my microservice going and use TDD, but my brain feels like it's, at most, half alive. I came on here to see this video and take a break. I need to apply this concept, because I have a sick wife and 1&1/4 year old baby to take care of at home. I'm easily on that Gary Vee hustle as you stated and I think that It's finally catching up to me. Thank goodness the hustle lasted this entire camp, because I sure needed it to grow. I really love your videos, Andy. Thank you, buddy.

[@MegaMicraman]

This is spot on. You can't concentrate intensely for log periods. 30 mins of work - but the 5 minutes off is the most important, that's when ideas come to me.

[@GmoneyMozart]

When it comes to learning I realize I Max out at around 4 hours total with a little breaks every hour just to get up and move around a bit. When it comes to building stuff I get lost in the work and the hours pass by like crazy.

[@hasanraza6279]

Awesome, the advices you share are really great for software developers, as a software engineering student myself, one important advice I would like to give to all new software developers is to make it a habit of following official blogs of world’s best software development firms like DCS, GoodCore Software etc, as such blog sources regularly offer the very latest updates from software development field, also such blogs really helped me a lot to understand latest software development processes. I hope this helps too. Thanks again

[@sc0ttiez151]

Absolutely loved this video. It’s been wild going from “I think I’d like to code”, going through a boot camp, and then getting out into the field. There’s so many lightbulb moments that you’re (never..) prepared for, but this is such a clean and direct breakdown of everything I’ve learned the hard way in the last few months. Right on.

[@samipikko8742]

I interested in software developer so much, and now it's my first day that I start my first program language with Python. I hope I will able to get a job with software developer. Thanks you so much guy for share knowledge about software developer job.

[@yesbolkulanbekov2878]

Great video! My summary: 1) Clear out everything unnecessary from your life. All the Distractions: youtube, internet cats, facebook, people. 2) Organize everything else into clear definable projects with end goals. Take a 10 min every morning to contemplate on how to finish them 3) Execute the plan with pomodoro technique.

[@Man0fSteell]

5:45 -- Exacctly!!This happened to me yesterday(well,most the time), I was working on a web scraping script and I got stuck as I couldn't figure out what broke my code all of a sudden .For almost an hour I was going through my whole script and trying out different variations hoping something will happen.After an hour of doing everything I possibly could I finally decided to take a short walk (while just letting my mind flow) ,spent around 10 min away from my table ,came back ,opened my laptop ,opened the script ,went through the script ,something struck me,instantly the browser tab , searched google,went through a couple of links,made some changes(I don't even remember what I did),re-ran the whole script and wallah! All in under 5 minutes! Like magic! Something I couldn't do in 1 hour ,done in minutes time. The reason why I wrote about this is because you just have to let you mind wander , like water , don't keep it rigid,all the time, ,with all your thoughts and worry. Andy, I totally agree with all of the points you made as I myself is struggling in the quest for growth and survival. This is a must see video for all Software Developers and learners alike.

[@exec9292]

cool story bro!

[@Gigusx]

I took a "Learn How To Learn" course on Coursera, they talked about this in there. The way your brain works, it uses the breaks or even naps to reorganize things, connect the dots, make new connections, you get the idea. This is why your short walk had such an effect, in the course they're calling it Diffuse and Focused Modes Of Thinking, pretty cool stuff.

[@georgegreen9145]

I can relate. My situation was worse. I couldn't figure out why a certain PHP function that l imported didn't work. Spent hours pulling my hair out. At the end of the work day, l realized that the function was called connect_db but l called it as db_connect

[@autohmae]

@@Gigusx slowing down the brain/looking at it from an other angle also works ? because of this: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_duck_debugging

[@duyaigaming2735]

@@georgegreen9145 such a small syntax error. .but u made it bravo👏👏

[@sayyes1300]

I work in an open space and sometimes it gets quite noisy with people talking on the phone, etc. The music I normally listen to brings rather distraction than concentration. So I listen to some “relax” or “meditate” kind of music and it surprisingly helps to concentrate on work reducing the amount of distraction I get

[@michaelfouche3602]

Andy - great video!! You're totally spot on regarding the time blocks (your other recommendations are great too but this one lit me up). My mother taught me as a child that the way to tackle projects we don't want to do (cleaning the bathroom, etc.) is to set a 15 minute timer because ... you can do anything for 15 minutes (and she was correct). There's a short time horizon and so it's no big deal. A lot of times, what happens is that by the time the 15 minute mark rolls around, you're "into it" and you want to keep going - no longer have the dread of the task anymore. But either way - the short time frame takes the "fear" out of the task. And I do this with coding as well - I allocate 30 minute blocks of time. In that 30 minutes I have to focus on the objective and can't get distracted by other code related questions - JUST DO IT!!! Then taking a break gives your mind time to review what was done and what else can be done (follow-on tasks, etc.), and a lot of times, answers to road blocks come into my mind because of these breaks. Prior to doing this approach - say I'd give myself several hours for a task, it would be easy to wander off in the weeds - because I have several hours ahead of me and no big deal (what my brain is telling me). But in reality, a lot of time is wasted. But as you said, I found that by allocating the 30 minute blocks of time (you said 25 minute - but same thing) for different software tasks, the productivity goes through the roof. New subscriber here - you're an inspiration - keep the great work!!

[@DataSavvyTV]

I like that you called out the two different brains, hard hat and contemplative. I used to not take breaks bc I’m “in the zone” and don’t want to break the flow, but then it’s almost as if my brain is hungry for a “step back” break bc it needs that bit of time to regroup and I don’t give it a chance to do so. So thanks for pointing that out.

[@hammadabbasi4052]

I've just started recently about 4 weeks ago. Your videos have helped me out so much. Thank you

[@KenzoArts]

I started my first job(3 months contract) as a junior developer today and to be honest with your tips should help me a lot if i follow them correctly. Thanks a lot

[@AndySterkowitz]

Such an awesome compliment. Congrats on getting the job and good luck!

[@syednajamabbasnaqvi2017]

that what ever technique i don't know. i learnt for straight 2 years doing different languages and a time came that i couldn't even thing of making anything. No idea came to me, creativity was gone. Then my elder brother who is a role model for me also, told me to take a break for 3 months and relax. just stay still and think of nothing. After that 3 month break, man i don't know what happened but my creativity came back and now i have developed my own personal 3 applications. This thing really works. You have to give relaxation to your mind.

[@lubostar1]

I do "20min work - 2min break" for over a year now. I've started with it because sitting on a chair for long period of time is devastating for your body in long-run. Additionally, it turned out to boost productivity as well :)

[@rizmarzia]

There's a book called "A Mind for Numbers" in which the author talks about the importance of breaks. Like you mentioned, sometimes the solution just hits you during break time, that's your diffused mode of thinking into play, whereas when you're actively working on the problem, it's the focus mode of thinking. Both are important for effective problem solving.

[@pxelguyplays]

Do not disturb mode is my best friend while I’m developing. I can concentrate much more on my work without all the buzzing and chiming notifications on my Mac and iPhone. On iOS 12 it is more advanced now with the extra options.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Yeah my iPhone is really distracting even after I’ve turn off notifications on most of the worst offending apps. Do not disturb mode is just the best way to shut off the noise and get to work.

[@NeoNinjaX87]

As someone who just started to code yesterday, this has been extremely helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@AndySterkowitz]

Awesome! Good luck and keep me posted on your progress.

[@horrorbreakdown]

Scattered focus gets scattered results. Get up, stretch, and walk around at intervals, but keep focused. Great video!

[@HAL-dm1eh]

My Asperger's dictates I have tunnel vision by default and as long as I get in the mode to learn or do programming I'm engaged 100%. There seems to be no limit to the depths of my thoughts and that is definitely a double edged sword in life. My problem is that I don't want outside distractions when deep in thought and they happen with just the slightest noise or whatever, because I don't live alone. anyway, it's neat seeing the stark differences of individuals who can wind up doing the same things or having the same interests and abilities.

[@AndySterkowitz]

HAL 9000 I did not realize that's what life was like with aspbergers. It seems like that would give you super powers from a coding perspective but I imagine it poses challenges in other areas of your life. I think going with noise cancelling headphones can be helpful but they aren't a perfect solution as maybe you already know. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@nonamo828]

I've discovered recently your channel, and I found it so much helpful because the things you talk, happen to everyone daily. And it's helpful to hear someone else struggling with these problems and getting over it. So thank you so much for the help. Greets from Argentina!!

[@nonamo828]

I recommend an application to focus when you're programming: Forest. It helps you to concentrate while you grow a tree in the application, unless you enter in another application.

[@fytubevw]

This was probably one of the most clearly communicated and most interesting videos about psychology of programming! Big thanks.

[@danielmuhlberger8962]

Coming from someone also with ADD I really respect and appreciate the Pomodoro technique, I had never heard of it, it's so easy to just plug away and grind with hyperfocus, but only so little sticks. Thanks so much for that tip, super convenient to know before starting college for Computer and Information Technology.

[@AlchemistCamp]

Turning off notifications is a great idea for just about anyone. Checking every hour is still a LOT, though. I'd try to cut back to no more than twice a day.

[@lastblackbear8305]

The point that got me more productive is The ‘tunnel’ vision you mentioned... focusing on one thing it at a time’

[@gert_kruger]

One method of avoiding the distracting applications is to use virtual desktops. Open the potentially distracting applications on a different desktop. You have to manually switch between them. When you do that there is a clearer distinction and feedback to yourself with what you are focusing on.

[@lynxteam9591]

the best way to unlock productivity is to use tools like time-tracker (TMetric), planner (Todoist) and PM software (love Trello really much)

[@tomas95go]

I like these kind of videos, already watched the tutorial purgatory and this video of yours and I agree in most of the things you say. In this case: I 've heard from my professors of college and read in the internet that sometimes solutions came out when you slow down a little, even when you don't expect them, I recall doing a project for a subject and one of the solutions came to me while I was sleeping (sounds crazy but happened), and other while I was on the process of waking up (you know those moments when you stare a shoe for a couple of minutes). The thing is always balance between work with focus and taking breaks and finding the right time that suits you. I'm no expert in coding just sharing my experience, great video 👍

[@gauravnagar3712]

Time Management is important for everybody

[@AndySterkowitz]

True dat

[@panstromek]

Last one its THE one. I recently doubled or even tripled the productity by blocking all social stuff from 11PM to 5PM next day. I turn off internet on phone, block YT and all social networks and just set up timer, get coffee and go. Such a liberating experience, definitely recommend ;) btw. I used blocker with password access, set up long password and forgot it.. super reliable :D

[@AndySterkowitz]

Yeah the more disciplined you can be about it the more benefits you will get from blocking out distractions. Once your blocking period is over you can then go hog wild and watch all the KZbin/social network stuff you want without guilt and feel good about it because you earned it. Thanks for sharing your experience 😁

[@nfginola]

I find it interesting how you mention the Pomodoro Technique and bring up the factor of phone notifcations a little bit towards the end. Totally agree that notifications can break your momentum but if the 25-minute time block is up and you were in the middle of this deep thinking, do you totally drop what you were doing or keep going? I find that this is what I personally struggle with when I use the Pomodoro Technique.

[@mikerihm]

Awesome advice! Loved the idea that taking a break allows the contemplative part of your brain to come into play and helps you to take a step back and look at the problem as a whole.

[@scottkwiatkowski6814]

Phenomenal video brother! Been watching these the last couple months and they have been extremely helpful. Keep it up big man!

[@brenowschneider]

Awesome tips. Thanks for sharing. The most important ones I would say are to plan out your day and take a break from time to time (or when you fell stuck). One that I would add that really helped me a lot would be to "set an unrealistic goal". Something like "I will finish this task until 11 a.m". It's impressive how you can increase your focus on this situation.

[@manchristiano]

Thanks, Andy, all that you said are the exact mistakes I do every day, I have learned so much from... I will change with immediate effect. God bless YOU.

[@MNGubbaldoGooche]

Marty Lobdell's "study less study smart" lecture is totally worth a watch if this video was helpful for you :)

[@AndySterkowitz]

Nice I’ll actually have to take a look.

[@eaglewitharifle]

I didn't even watch your video, I was just laying here listening to it and it was as if you were talking to me. I'm a developer too and I can agree with everything you said. You just confirmed that the issues I was trying to pinpoint are in fact the correct ones. Thanks

[@GregoryMcCarthy123]

The biggest thing for me is noticing when I get stuck on something, especially something that doesn’t provide a ton of value, like CSS. I have seen people waste WEEKS tweaking CSS because they want their component to look awesome even though we could offload that task to a front end guy. So putting stuff down and coming back to it later helps. Just being self aware helps a lot!

[@jenmanzella1948]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I burn myself out and crash and I'm currently working on finding more balance. I like the break idea. I don't want to take medication so I'm trying to meditate and look into tips on regaining my natural ability to focus. I had attention issues in hs but still did really well as a student because I was driven. I need to return to that

[@carlmarten160]

The best company I worked for had breakfast Mondays and no-code Friday afternoons. On Monday Mornings would start with social time, everyone having breakfast on the company and talking about what they did over the weekend. Friday afternoon we would all go for a late lunch in an old pub and talk over anything we were having trouble with, neat solutions we had found or anything else that came up (food and a couple of pints on the company). The rest of the day was brainstorming or pen and paper plans for the next week. I did ask the owner why he did this and he said it was more productive to have people working well for 30 hours a week and enjoying themselves than have them burnt out and unproductive for 50+ hours.

[@dkmodder4405]

I am making a JavaScript app where you can set times for work sessions with breaks in between and it has a timer with alarms. I got the idea from this video!

[@danielwertz8724]

See, this is why i like your channel. not just for beginners! I have ADD and have been having trouble focusing on my code at work. definitely going to start putting my work into time blocks!

[@AndySterkowitz]

That's great to hear! It's super helpful if you feel like you get off track when working. Also, it can be hard to stick to the structure of time blocks at first so just try and ease into it at first and before you know it you'll be doing it as a habit.

[@ChristopherOden]

This was how I had to study for my last math final in college, worked so well when I had a strict goal working towards. I'll implement this with my coding!

[@AndySterkowitz]

Yes! It really is an effective practice for any type of mental work in general. 😊

[@teknologene]

What works for me is to first clear my mind each morning or before I start. Open up Spotify and play "Classical Music for Programmers" or "Programmer's Playlist". Anything that doesn't have Lyrics you can follow. Hope this will help you.

[@OmarAhmed-jo1cf]

The tunnel vision strategy is a defiantly important point.I think also frustration from non-working code or bugs is a reason for cutting the flow .Choosing easier subtasks should help keep momentum.I think we should have an initial time block to prepare the canvas then keep the planing and the hammering separate.

[@filipsijak2454]

From all these videos about programming, languages and frameworks, I find this one to be most interesting. I was also at the point where I wanted to code and learn all day, but it was really inefficient after few weeks only and I felt bad for a long time that I wasn't putting enough effort in it. If you can code for 8 hours, and really be focused in that period, that should be enough to learn and progress in your career. For your body and the brain, it's better to use the rest of the day outside. Healthy way of living + coding which is intellectual work is winning a combo for me.

[@daniemeas1363]

Love the video! I switched over to this technique a few months ago! I would start studying then an hour or so in, I'd get really distracted. I read about this technique and it has REALLY helped. Thanks for all the awesome tips :) !

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thank you much Danie! Yeah it definitely changed the game for me. And btw it’s a good thing you are starting off with good habits from the very beginning. It took me a while to get rid of some of those bad habits of just working endlessly until I was burnt out and exhausted.

[@nikolayegov1414]

Andy, thank you sooooo much for your videos. I'm self taught too and I've been working really hard for the last couple of years. I finally got a job offer as a Junior Java dev and I'm panicking big time. Your videos help a lot.

[@AndySterkowitz]

You’re welcome Nikolay! And congratulations my friend. I know it’s a little stressful but try and enjoy it. Before long you’ll be reminiscing about these times as a distant memory. 😊

[@AnthonyMcqueen1987]

When your a stay at home parent and a programmer all that goes out the window. You have to reorganize your time and focus on your kids first and code later or when your significant other or inlaws can watch the kids. So its about time management there are days i dont code at all because family and other responsibilities etc. You just have to make up and make the best of it.

[@RafaelDurelli]

I'm using pomodoro technique for a while. It really helps me to finish my PhD in computer science. Now I will used it for programming.. Thanks

[@EthanTremblayy]

I have been working as software engineer for about 1.5 years and some time ago I started noticing that I have gaps in my personal working time schedule because of skipping time for planning sessions, dividing day into small pieces of work-rest and etc - exactly what you talked about . Your talk is really real-life example and big thanks to you for your advices! One more question: How do you manage all your apps/documents/tasks trackers to be more productive and not to loose the concentration on issue that your are working on?

[@mayank_upadhyay_19]

I had always been wondering what is that thing that makes me think of quiting when all I was doing is coding and learning all the time, then I was introduced to this badass villain named *Burnout*

[@ChaotikmindSrc]

i'm a software dev for 25 years+, i would say that working for 20 minutes block is extremely inefficient, it is more of less the time i need to enter the zone, then i start to be really efficient, i use block of 3-4 hours, then i pause, which is important as you said. Obviously you should shutdown anything that could disturb you, phone, mail notification, social media bullshit (and whatever else that can pause problems) .

[@JakobRobert00]

I think my biggest problem is that i cannot do this tunnel vision. I am often distracted, not only by thoughts about private life or messages on the phone, but as well by things which have to do with the job. E.g. I am coding something and start to think about if the code is clean enough, start googling for code guidelines and best practices, reading about the history and philosphy of a framework I am using, complaining about how bad it is designed, etc.. I know, that this is distracting me and not bringing me any further to fulfilling the current task, but it is almost as if some things are triggering me and I feel the need to think about them even though I know they are not important right now.

[@splitpierre]

And if you are a freelancer, as I am for over 10 years, dangerously running out of time for myself and my life, no technique will work if you have more than you can get done. Don't be afraid, get out, get help, make friends (developers), sometimes even discussing some problems with other developers can shine a big light on a problem you have. Very important, do not work alone!

[@workthentravel]

the last 4 videos that i've watched in your channel are sort of wake up call for me. thanks for putting all these videos. *now back to studying*

[@pavelh756]

In regards to music as a metalhead, I found out that I can't listen to metal while coding most of the time :-D I love it but it's too disrupting so I started to listen to "chill-hop-heat-easy-peazy-going" stuff it works well as a background noise that let's you sink in to work but doesn't distract you

[@DannyMexen9]

I like this. Thanks. Process everything. Give your brain a chance to understand new problems as they come to you. And then, solve them one by one! Tunnel vision! Yes, agree totally.

[@StarryNightSky587]

Pomodoro really brought me through a slump, where I would spend my days on YT and stuff during Home Office. Nowadays (throught the years) I got way better in personal time management and especially not doing a single hit on FB/YT/etc... the whole day. :)

[@ruimaciel189]

I think you should talk about the "rewrite addiction/problem" and why a lot of people progress slowly when working on a project with no deadline.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Haha so I have that problem 🙈 It's a topic I'd love to talk about though because I am so familiar with the problem. Thanks for the suggestion. 😁

[@haidershah1085]

Sir, I wish i found ur channal before i started to go on self tought route. U really understad all the hustel the real problem a self tought developer can face.... Love ur channel

[@Esico6]

The pomodoro technique really helps. Find a good app for it. Schedule also callback interruptions, checking messages.

[@antoniopekeljevic9931]

The thing about having two brains is very true. I was unaware that I actually get a bigger picture when I'm not actively working but it's true. Now when I think back, I see that it helped me solve problems which I would otherwise be stuck with if I kept going with the "worker" brain. I think that the Pomodoro technique is benefitial to programmers more than to any other profession just because of that.

[@Blecyn]

I agree with this video a whole lot. Focus is the most important thing.

[@diagramgml]

there is nothing I didn't know, it's justI needed somebody to summarize them clearly. Good video

[@divyanshu30gupta]

He mentioned literally everything why I searched for videos on this topic, Continuous Working, KZbin a Rabbit Hole... Totally.

[@lea3225]

This is just exactly what I’m looking for. It’s like you read my mind. Thank you!

[@RobertRothermel]

This is great advice, and corresponds with what I've experienced as putting me into a good mental flow. I've found a work rhythm of 50 minutes of work then a 10 minute break seems to work well.

[@ankitchouhan8766]

I guess i am not too late to watch this video. Messing up with what I want to do and I am doing right now. I was sincerely productive in 1-3 years of being a software developer but then distractions made some distances between me and my routine as you have mentioned affected me. Highly appreciate your tips. Hope i wont do these mistakes again....

[@rishabhprabhakar2455]

So all u wanna say is that we should keep taking fun break in between our work.....good idea....I'm doing it since my childhood.....it's a very common practice in india

[@joshualipovetsky2744]

Thanks, Andy! I have been thinking of the Pomodoro technique recently. I finished my Udacity Intro to Programming Nanodegree and much of the Full Stack Nanodegree by committing to sitting down for 2 hours, 6 days a week, and just letting my brain work on the problem. I got stuck at a really tough project, though, and I haven't worked on it in about 4 months. Yikes. So hard to build the momentum back up, but I have to graduate by the end of December before Udacity changes my curriculum.

[@hassanelakhloufi8073]

That's exactly my thought process, except that I push it to the extreme. As an entrepreneur, I work 5 hours straight and take 1 hour to contemplate, for a total of 17 hours a day. most of the time it's fun when I'm actually building stuff, but sometimes i wanna kill myself when I can't fix a small bug that is blocking everything. btw that's why I'm watching your video, that f*** bug has been eating my brain for the last 5 hours. I'm gonna take your advice. thanks bro

[@splitpierre]

I Feel yah! I'm also a developer AND entrepreneur, i have to deal with f*** everything from talking to customers to developing their stuff and managing other developers. There's not enough time in a day to do everything, as i mentioned in another comment, get help, make friends (developers), do not work alone. Very important. I know, it's hard, it has been years since i bump into a good developer to work with. But you know, if we want to keep growing, alone is NOT the way to go, just keep trying. Those little devil bugs that fries our brains, sometimes we just need someone that is better than us in that matter that will get it done in 'minutes'. So, i'd say that time spent hiring/looking other ppl for small sh*t, is NOT wasted time/money, on the contrary, some ppl can save us countless hours.

[@md.fazlulkarim8847]

In this type of situation, I take a short break. From my experience, after 30 minutes of trying, I again do the same fix which isn't worked before!

[@tuvu8394]

Well how are these self-claimed entrepreneurs doing 2 years later? Nobody can work 17 hours a day effectively and if you do you're gonna die before 60 anyway. Dont try to brag silly stuff on the internet just to sound cool.

[@hassanelakhloufi8073]

@@tuvu8394 I have my own profitable company called MetricGate. It's a platform that allows Statisticians to develop complex statistical models with their phone.

[@revywild]

hey as someone who just went through 80+ hours / week for 6 months straight in bootcamp/job app then finally getting a job (have started my new job for 2 months now). LIKE I CAN TOTALLy agree with the burn out thing.... :( I remember my mentor told me to time block things but i didn't understand why until i started work and you explained it lol XD. thanks for these tips! will be watching your stuff on my new journey as a new SE :)