A blog post I come back to regularly is one by Tim Urban called “100 Blocks a Day”.
It’s really about reflecting on and prioritizing how we spend our time each day. Deep stuff, I know.
Tim presents a simple yet eye opening way of looking at our day, noting that if we sleep 7 to 8 hrs a night (i.e. a healthy amount that all Code Larks should strive for), then that leaves about 16 to 17 hrs of the day that we are awake. Or put another way, roughly 1,000 minutes.
16 to 17 hrs a day?! …it doesn’t always feel like we have that much time every day, but you do if you sleep 7 to 8 hrs. Simple math.
Taking it a step further, he notes that if we break down the roughly 1,000 mins a day into 10 minute blocks, we get 100 blocks a day of wake time.
The question is: if you only have 100 blocks, are you using them wisely?
When I think about my day in this way, as the various examples that Tim shares help highlight, I start to realize how precious those blocks are and that it’s super important I spend them wisely. I wanted to share with the community because I think it’s a really useful exercise (and Tim Urban is awesome and you should read more of his blog, if this is your cup of tea).
Putting the thought exercise into perspective:
Is the choice to use 3 to 6 blocks (or more if you really want to crush it) each morning waking up to learn with the Code Larks community worth the added benefit it is going to bring your life? You have to decide this.
As Stephen Covey might say, it’s one of those “Important, but not urgent” decisions. Will you rise to the challenge? It may be hard, but I’ll let Tom Hanks respond to that:
Well said, Tom. Well said.
It will pay tremendous dividends for your overall technical understanding, which has a very high likelihood of translating to you achieving your career transition or career growth goals. Is that worth 3 to 6 blocks every morning? I’m biased, but I think the answer is pretty clear.
Take some time today, before or after you dive into learning, to read the article I’ve been referencing. Then, think about how you are spending your 100 blocks (or however many you have each day).
Last but not least, here is a hilarious music video/sweet jam to get your mind primed for kicking ass this today:
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