Jennifer Tieu
Published on

My self-taught developer journal

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Rediscovering the Joy of Writing Through Code

As a software engineer who once embraced the challenge of writing daily blog posts during my #100DaysOfCode journey, I've come to realize the value of that consistent writing habit. It wasn't just about documenting my progress; it was a means of learning and reflecting on my experiences. However, after stepping away from this routine, I found it surprisingly difficult to return to the practice of writing.

The Struggle to Rekindle a Writing Habit

Writing, like any habit, requires dedication and effort to maintain. When I stopped my daily blogging, the ease with which I once put thoughts to paper seemed to vanish. It's a common struggle, I believe, to pick up a habit after a break, especially one that demands as much focus as writing does.

Intentionality and Focus in Work

Lately, I've been striving to be more intentional with my time, particularly during work hours. I've noticed that without dedicated focus, I'm not truly absorbing the tasks at hand. This lack of deep engagement felt like a disservice to myself, as if I was missing out on valuable learning opportunities from my past two years in the tech field.

Journaling as a Stepping Stone

To combat this, I've started keeping a journal. It's a simple but effective tool that helps me track my tasks and thoughts throughout the day. Here's my approach:

  • Time Tracking: For each task, I set a timer to keep myself accountable.
  • Task Details: I jot down what I'm working on, including any challenges I encounter.
  • Reflections: Any new insights or ideas get recorded for future reference.

This method not only aids in task management but also serves as a repository of knowledge and experiences.

From Journal Entries to Blog Posts

My goal is to transform these journal snippets into concise blog posts. I envision them as five-minute reads—small journal entries that encapsulate the lessons learned during my work on various projects. The intent is not just to share knowledge with others but also to create a personal archive that I can revisit whenever I need to jog my memory.

Writing for Myself, Teaching Others

I've come to understand that writing is as much for myself as it is for anyone else. It's a way to reinforce my learning and to ensure that I truly grasp the material. Moreover, I firmly believe in the phrase that teaching is the best way to learn. By sharing my experiences, I not only solidify my own understanding but also provide valuable reference material for others.

In conclusion, whether it's through journaling or blogging, writing remains a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It's a way to capture the fleeting moments of discovery and the hard-earned knowledge that comes with being a software engineer. And if my words can help even one other person along their journey, then all the better.

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