Always have a testing environment.
Stress test and bug-fix the new stuff before releasing into production.
Mistakes have already been made, fixes implemented, and documentation produced. There are “best practices” for a reason.
RTM!
Pressure
We use physical pressure to accomplish amazing feats. We can move water uphill, cut steel like butter, and lift thousands of pounds by harnessing the power of pressure.
We can leverage personal pressure and do things that are almost superhuman. Climb snowy mountains in shorts, run 100 miles in a day, write novels, live a virtuous life, and give of our own necessity.
And then there is the power of peer pressure. Good or bad, it can influence us to act out things that are not consistent with who we are or want to be.
Use pressure.
Choose pressure.
Lose pressure.
Every situation requires us to pick one.
And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;
Judges 16:16 KJV
Payments
We can easily see that reading a book to our children helps them fall asleep at bedtime. It takes a while to see the lasting bond it creates.
We can easily see getting drunk at a party gives us instant attention. It takes a while before we believe we have to have alcohol to be normal.
We can easily see weight training increases strength. It takes a while to see the benefits to our overall health.
We can easily see more work produces more income. It takes a while to realize we allowed our most important relationships to die.
Payments will be made.
Dividends will be collected.
Long term thinkers and goal setters are usually receiving the benefits.
Afraid
The use of the word “afraid” has skyrocketed since the 1990’s. It has become so commonplace, we say it even when we are not fearful.
I’m afraid I don’t know why!
I know this…
Our words impact our actions.
Fear is a liar.
Fear is a cheater.
Fear is a thief.
Fear will help you make bad decisions.
We have enough problems overcoming doubt without giving FEAR a land-grant in our subconscious mind. “I’m afraid” is a terrible byword.
And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.
Judges 6:15 KJV
Focus & Flow
The words are effortless; the code makes sense; the sculpture reveals itself; the music is smooth; the decisions are clear; the game comes to you.
Flow is magical.
Flow is euphoric.
Flow is freedom.
Flow does not multitask.
Flow does not have a schedule.
We can’t summon flow at will, but we can send an invitation.
Dear Flow,
I am willing to do the work necessary to become a master at my craft.
I will be consistent and show up for practice every day.
I will have a good attitude no matter how long it takes.
Your friend,
Focus
Whose Shoes
Instead of saying, ” Walk a mile in my shoes.”
Let’s start thinking, “If I could walk a mile in their shoes.”
The only way we can bridge this STUPID divide in our country is with perspective and empathy.
A Clear Choice
From the way I see it, there is only one clear choice.
How can we possibly resolve issues where two people see things totally different? Start with these four.
Humility.
There is always a possibility I could be wrong. Empathy starts with humility.
Relationships.
Friends have much more influence than bosses. People don’t care what you say until they know you care about them. Build relationships.
History.
Given enough time, we tend to do the same stupid things over and over. We can’t change the past, but we can use it as a guide for the future. Study the past.
Principles.
Knowing your rights and doing what’s right are two different things. Let’s focus a little less on “can I” and a little more on “should I”. Demonstrate the Golden Rule.
If we can agree to start here, we can repair almost any divide.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15 KJV
Inheritance
Leave an inheritance of how to work, how to act, and how to think.
Character and integrity can build wealth.
The opposite is not true.
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children …
Proverbs 13:22a (KJV)
Bandwidth
There is a certain number of interactions you’ll get to have today, a certain amount of words you’ll get to speak, and a certain number of minutes you get to fit it all in.
Our bandwidth is limited.
We can optimize and work our way into extreme efficiency, but we’re all limited to 1440 minutes a day. Nobody can change that.
Our bandwidth is filled with our inputs.
People – Music – Books – Thoughts – Technology – Work – Etc.
Choose to fill your bandwidth with the right stuff.
Turn off the TV and have a conversation.
Put down the Cheetos and pick up an apple.
Listen to music that lifts you up.
Eliminate the negative so there’s room for the positive.
Inputs
The reason resolutions don’t work…we don’t believe.
I AM NOT saying you can believe your way to physical fitness or a better relationship with your spouse. But I assure you, you’ll never reach a destination if you don’t truly believe it’s the right thing to do. What we believe creates consistent actions that move us toward endpoints.
If you believe you can, YOU WILL.
If you believe you can’t, YOU WON’T.
Let me repeat a quote from sports psychologist Treavor Moawad, “Your willpower will always lose to what you really believe.”
With this in mind, how can we change our beliefs? It all starts with our inputs: our friends, music, books, entertainment, hobbies, etc.
Your inputs set your beliefs.
Your beliefs set your actions.
Your actions set your destiny.
Turn in the right direction and humbly work on your inputs.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7 KJV