#192: Coding smarter not harder - 5 key ways to succeed as a developer

May 31, 2025

Dive into the world of Python with key strategies for developers! Discover how to avoid common mistakes and turn scattered efforts into focused growth. Learn the importance of mentorship and seeking support within a community. Explore engaging project ideas and book recommendations that inspire both coding skills and storytelling. Tackle impostor syndrome and embrace lifelong learning in the tech landscape. The journey doesn't have to be lonely—find camaraderie and motivation in every challenge!

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ADVICE

Set Clear Learning Goals

Set clear, actionable goals with deadlines to stay focused while learning Python.
Having a plan increases commitment and prevents random, ineffective learning.

INSIGHT

Deliberate Learning Enhances Retention

Being deliberate in what you read or learn greatly boosts retention and focus.
Define clear questions before consuming content to improve learning effectiveness.

ADVICE

Avoid Distractions From News

Limit distractions from news and social media to maximize your learning time.
Focus only on what you can control to maintain productivity in chaotic times.

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Magician

Raymond E. Feist

The obstacle is the way

Ryan Holiday

In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

Effective Python

125 Specific Ways to Write Better Python

Brett Slatkin

This book provides clear, concise, and practical advice for both new and experienced Python developers. It covers a broad range of topics, from 'Pythonic Thinking' and 'Lists and Dictionaries' to advanced subjects like 'Concurrency and Parallelism' and 'Robustness and Performance'. The third edition includes 35 new items, updated best practices, and in-depth coverage of creating C-extension modules and interfacing with native shared libraries, all relevant up to Python version 3.13.

Outliers

The Story of Success

Malcolm Gladwell

In 'Outliers: The Story of Success', Malcolm Gladwell examines the often-overlooked factors that contribute to high levels of success. He argues that success is not solely the result of individual talent or hard work, but rather is influenced by a complex web of advantages and inheritances, including cultural background, family, generation, and luck. The book delves into various examples, such as the success of Bill Gates, the Beatles, and Canadian ice hockey players, to illustrate how these factors play a crucial role. Gladwell also discusses the '10,000-hour rule' and the impact of cultural legacies on behavior and success. The book is divided into two parts: 'Opportunity' and 'Legacy', each exploring different aspects of how success is achieved and maintained.

The Maniac

Benhamín Labatut