10 Timeless Tips From Marcus Aurelius To Improve Your Life in 2024
Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, authored Meditations, a work that continues to influence readers with its profound insights into human behavior and ethics. His teachings are particularly relevant in the contemporary world, providing guidance on how to navigate life’s challenges with grace and wisdom. Below, we explore ten of Marcus Aurelius’ lessons, each explained in detail to help you lead a more thoughtful and impactful life in 2024.
1. Embrace the Present
Marcus Aurelius consistently emphasized the importance of focusing on the present moment. In a world where distractions are a constant, the ability to concentrate on the now can significantly enhance our effectiveness and enjoyment of life. He wrote, “Confine yourself to the present,” a simple directive that urges us to ignore past regrets and future anxieties. This mindfulness helps us to cherish the time we have, appreciate small joys, and engage more deeply with our work and relationships. It’s a reminder that the present is all we truly own, and mastering it is the key to a fulfilled life.
2. Control Your Reactions
One of the core principles of Stoicism is the distinction between what is within our control and what is not. Marcus Aurelius put it succinctly: “You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” By internalizing this lesson, we learn to respond to life’s unpredictabilities with composure and maintain our tranquility. This philosophy does not suggest passivity but rather advocates for a proactive stance towards things we can influence while accepting those we cannot. Adopting this mindset fosters resilience, reduces stress, and improves our overall mental health, making us more effective in personal and professional spheres.
3. Recognize the Power of Perception
Marcus Aurelius offers a powerful reminder about the subjective nature of reality: “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” Our experiences and emotions are heavily influenced by how we choose to interpret events and situations. By consciously shaping our perceptions, we can steer our lives toward optimism and success. This lesson is invaluable in dealing with interpersonal conflicts, career challenges, and personal setbacks. By adjusting our perceptions, we empower ourselves to find solutions and maintain a positive outlook, irrespective of circumstances.
4. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a theme Marcus Aurelius returns to frequently in his writings. He encourages us to consider, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” By starting each day with a sense of gratitude, we focus on the abundance in our lives rather than what we may lack. This shift in focus can dramatically improve our mood and outlook, increasing overall life satisfaction and fostering a generous spirit towards others. Gratitude, as Aurelius teaches, turns what we have into enough and more, and it enriches our lives by deepening our relationships and our appreciation for the simple things.
5. Be Mindful of Your Mortality
Contemplating mortality is a common Stoic exercise to enhance the quality of life, famously summarized in the phrase memento mori. Marcus Aurelius writes, “Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live it properly.” Remembering that life is finite can motivate us to live with more purpose and urgency. It helps prioritize what truly matters, stripping away the trivial and superficial. This awareness leads to a more intentional life where actions and choices are aligned with personal values and long-term goals.
6. Lead by Example
Marcus Aurelius believed strongly in the power of leading by example: “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” In every role we undertake, whether as managers, parents, or friends, we have the opportunity to embody the virtues we advocate. This approach builds credibility and fosters an environment of trust and respect. By living the qualities we esteem, we inspire those around us to elevate their own conduct, creating a ripple effect that can transform communities and cultures.
7. Value Simplicity
In his meditations, Marcus Aurelius often reflects on the virtues of living simply: “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” This principle is especially relevant in today’s consumer-driven society, where there is constant pressure to seek happiness through accumulation. Aurelius teaches us that true contentment comes from within and that a life uncluttered by excess frees us to focus on our personal growth and the things that truly matter — relationships, self-care, and personal achievements.
8. Keep Learning and Growing
Lifelong learning is another theme that permeates the writings of Marcus Aurelius. He advises, “Never stop learning. If you learn one new thing every day, you will overcome 99% of your competition.” This pursuit of knowledge not only keeps us mentally active and engaged but also ensures that we continue to grow and adapt, which is crucial in a rapidly changing world. This commitment to personal development helps us to meet challenges creatively and remain competitive in our careers.
9. Serve Others
Stoicism teaches that our lives are not our own, but rather part of a larger community of which we are inherently a part. Marcus Aurelius wrote, “What we do now echoes in eternity.” Our actions have impacts beyond our immediate environment. Serving others and contributing to the community provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It creates a legacy of kindness and generosity that can outlive our physical existence, influencing generations to come.
10. Find Resilience in Adversity
Finally, Marcus Aurelius viewed obstacles as opportunities for growth: “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” This mindset transforms challenges into valuable lessons, cultivating resilience and a proactive attitude toward life’s inevitable difficulties. It teaches us that each hurdle we overcome enhances our ability to navigate future crises, turning adversity into a catalyst for strength and renewal.
These ten lessons from Marcus Aurelius, deeply embedded in Stoic philosophy, offer powerful strategies for leading a life of greater purpose, resilience, and fulfillment. As we look to the future, his ancient wisdom remains ever relevant, guiding us through the complexities of modern existence with grace and poise.
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How My Cat is Enhancing My PhD Experience
Pursuing a PhD is a monumental commitment marked by long hours, intense research, and significant stress. However, within this academic environment, I’ve discovered an unlikely ally in my studies — my cat. Here’s a closer look at how my feline companion isn’t just a pet, but a vital support in my PhD endeavors.
Emotional Support in Times of Stress
PhD programs are known for their rigorous demands, which can lead to substantial stress and anxiety. In these moments, the calming presence of a cat can be incredibly soothing. Research shows that interacting with cats can lower cortisol levels (a stress-related hormone) and increase serotonin, the chemical responsible for feelings of well-being. My cat seems to instinctively know when I need a comforting nudge or a purr-filled cuddle, providing relief that helps me refocus and persist.
Creating a Structured Routine
One of the challenges of a PhD is the need for self-discipline and a structured daily schedule. Cats, with their steadfast adherence to routine (demanding food and attention at regular times), help in establishing and maintaining this daily schedule. The responsibility of caring for my cat ensures that I start my day early and take necessary breaks, crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being.
Unconditional Companionship
The path to earning a PhD can be a lonely one, with hours spent alone reading, writing, and conducting experiments. Loneliness can be a significant hurdle, but my cat offers constant companionship without the complex social interactions that can sometimes be overwhelming. This presence helps alleviate feelings of isolation and boosts my mood on challenging days.
Motivation Through Responsible Pet Ownership
Taking care of a cat requires a certain level of activity and engagement, which paradoxically can enhance my own productivity. Regular breaks to feed, play, or simply pet my cat not only keep her happy but also ensure that I stand up, stretch, and momentarily step away from the computer. These breaks are vital for mental clarity and often help me return to my work with a fresh perspective.
A Source of Humor and Inspiration
Cats are full of surprises and their antics can provide much-needed humor and light-heartedness. Watching my cat chase a laser pointer or curiously paw at my research papers often brings a smile to my face, reminding me not to take life too seriously. Furthermore, the simplicity of her life, unburdened by the complexities of human concerns, sometimes offers unexpected insights into my own research or life.
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GenZ: The Fiscally Aware Generation
I am sitting at Paul's cafe at the airport en route to Nairobi via Cairo for Applied Machine Learning Days (AMLD) Africa (a wonderful conference, more on that later). **In front of me 4 young males, early 20s, they speak loudly in french as they eat the burgers and fries they bought at another restaurant.**
They talk about money.
"You have no idea how much money I lose to taxes", says one of them. "40 to 50%! It's a lot of money, I would make so much more without it". He sees taxes not as a net necessary good, as most have been trained to see it, but as any other cost.
Interesting, that's not the type of conversations you would expect from someone that young. It's not the first time I hear this type of conversation from GenZs. Why are GenZs becoming more fiscally aware than previous generations? I think it comes down to two factors:
- Inflation
- The entrepreneurial culture
Inflation has hit everybody, for obvious reasons. However one constant with inflation is that it hits the poorest hardest. Young people tend to have less money. But that's not enough to raise awareness about a subject that most consider beyond boring. This brings us to the next point: *The entrepreneurial culture*.
As a millennial I witnessed it's burgeoning and blossoming. It started timidly with a few books and blogs, then massive blogs, then best sellers, then YouTube videos and finally podcasts. Not so long ago being an entrepreneur was considered an unwise life choice. Successful people go to work for established companies. Such was common wisdom. However, as the 2008 recession hit and people started to look for more revenue streams, they also discovered the concept that having one's business can also mean more freedom and better financial security.
There is however a big difference between the Millennial Entrepreneur and the GenZ Entrepreneur. The Millennial was still uneasy with the idea of making money and as such would speak about *"making a positive impact in the world"*, the GenZ is not burden in this way. You can see the shift in YouTube ads, today it's all bout how much you will make if you buy this or that business course.
So whatever online business they start, being it drop shipping or whatever, they tend do it in a money aware way. Starting an online business is a hard, the competition is fierce. Naturally, they try to invest their hard earned money wisely. When the tax bill comes, they see it as it is: an unexpected cost that does not necessarily translate to a better life quality. Nothing is free in this incarnation. Some are not even shy about relocating to fiscally advantageous locations like Dubai and making videos about it.
This could be the end of the blissful fiscally unaware generations.
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Style is the man
The particular imprint of exceptional humans has marked history, if not made history. Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon, French naturalist and mathematician and member of the Académie Française, undoubtedly marked by the rigor of the exact sciences, stated in his reception speech: ‘Style is the man himself’. Even if Buffon only spoke of literature and science, style thus becomes an objective constant of each of those who mark history with a particular legacy.
Foreshadowing what the Crown Prince would grow to be when King, the late His Majesty Hassan II of Morocco will take up the notion of style, precisely quoting Buffon. He said in a notorious interview : ‘Style is the man’. No one wanted to announce that the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco was going to be different from his own, although in the logical continuity of history.
Today the trend is to confuse style with a more modern notion of ephemerality: the look.
If the look, which will summarize an outfit, a haircut, colors, is circumstantial and therefore contingent on the moment, style is a constant of the person and accompanies him throughout his life.
Style will experience an evolution but in a logical continuum. If style ends up being validated and confirmed by history’s objective appreciation, the look is not necessarily in symbiosis with style. The look is tainted by subjectivity. It depends on each person’s perception, image and imagination. It is marked by the appreciation we have of the person we meet in a particular circumstance, a particular environment. The look is a subjective composition which can be modeled simply through a photograph which falls into your hands, a video viewed on a train or on a plane, so many images that forcefully invite themselves into the intimacy of the onlooker by forcing the screen from a phone or a tablet, through advertisements and social media.
The look can go so far as to contrast with the style. It is the subjective assessment that we make of the person being scrutinized; and will be even more biased if it is accompanied by a comment even if it is the antipode of objectivity. A film actor can thus be stuck by his look and his acting, the personality traits of a character, when all he has done is succeed in restoring them to us for the duration of a film.
The look is appreciated as long as it coincides with the image we have of the person at the very moment of meeting. It depends on the success of the approach and the reaction of the person encountered. It is conditioned by the circumstances of this encounter, the degree of surprise and the emotional level it arouses. The first glance will be decisive here.
The look generates admiration: everyone will form an idea of the person they meet based on their own appreciation, their emotions and their state of mind at the moment. The degree of sympathy expressed or shared can thus lead to idolatry.
The style commands respect and generates love and appreciation. It is a constant that evolves slowly, surely, and becomes significant. It is assessed on rather objective and verified criteria. Style is indelible and is linked to action through art and manner. Style leaves a mark forever. It is this imprint that allows us to judge and define its contours. History is judge of style.
Aziz Daouda
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Mastering the Art of Persuasion: Boost Your Interpersonal Communication Skills
This article presents a complete method for improving interpersonal communication through five separate strategies.
The first intervention consists of active listening workshops, which emphasize the development of skills such as active listening, question framing, and paraphrasing. The second program focuses on empathy-building exercises, which use interactive activities, role-playing scenarios, and real-life experiences to foster empathy. The third component, Cultural Sensitivity Training, aims to provide learners with the information and abilities they need to navigate numerous communication landscapes by recognizing nonverbal clues and understanding different communication styles.
Furthermore, as the fourth intervention, the study provides conflict resolution workshops, which provide practical skills and strategies for resolving disagreements constructively. Participants learn how to identify core reasons, effectively communicate concerns, and work on mutually beneficial solutions. Finally, through Mindfulness in Communication workshops, the fifth technique is incorporating mindfulness practices into communication. Deep breathing, meditation, and remaining present in talks are all addressed as ways to boost self-awareness and intentional communication.
This multidimensional approach is intended to provide individuals with the skills and awareness needed for effective communication in a variety of personal and professional circumstances.
Since 2009, I have gained practical experience in the field of interpersonal communication training, which has allowed me to develop these models.
I- Active Listening Workshops:
Hold workshops or training sessions to improve your active listening skills. Many communication problems stem from misunderstanding the other person's point of view. Teach participants how to listen carefully, ask clarifying questions, and paraphrase to ensure they accurately understand the speaker's message. Active listening, an often overlooked skill in interpersonal communication, is the foundation of lasting connections. The Active Listening Workshops have been painstakingly constructed to transform this talent from a passive pastime into an art form. Participants are immersed in a dynamic learning environment in which they not only hear words but also identify the underlying emotions and intentions underlying the message.
Individuals are coached through a series of interactive exercises to fine-tune their ability to ask probing questions that elicit deeper insights and understanding. To ensure that the listener fully understands the speaker's intended message, paraphrasing techniques are provided. The sessions go below the surface of communication, emphasizing the value of nonverbal clues and subtle nuances that frequently express more than words alone.
2. Empathy-Building Exercises:
Develop activities that foster empathy among individuals. This could include role-playing scenarios, storytelling sessions, or even volunteering opportunities. By understanding and appreciating the feelings of others, people can develop stronger interpersonal connections.
Empathy-building exercises represent a unique synergy between a friendly, approachable demeanor and the rigor of scientific inquiry. By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, participants are encouraged to embark on a journey of emotional exploration. Through purposeful activities and real-world scenarios, individuals engage in a shared experience that transcends mere understanding, fostering a genuine connection with the emotions of others.
3. Cultural Sensitivity Training:
In our diverse world, understanding and respecting different cultures is crucial for effective communication. Organize training sessions to raise awareness about cultural differences, non-verbal cues, and communication styles. This can help individuals navigate cross-cultural interactions with greater ease.
In our interconnected global society, effective communication necessitates a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity. Cultural Sensitivity Training stands as an imperative initiative, offering participants a comprehensive framework to navigate the intricate tapestry of cross-cultural communication.
4. Conflict Resolution Workshops:
Conflict is inevitable, but effective resolution is a skill that can be learned. Offer workshops on conflict resolution techniques, teaching participants how to identify issues, express their concerns constructively, and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. This can significantly improve workplace dynamics and personal relationships.
In the intricate dance of human relationships, conflicts are inevitable, yet the manner in which they are navigated can profoundly impact the fabric of interpersonal dynamics. Conflict Resolution Workshops are designed as a strategic intervention, providing participants with a robust toolkit to transform conflicts from sources of discord into catalysts for constructive growth.
5-Mindfulness in Communication:
Amidst the clamor of modern life, where distractions abound and conversations often teeter on the precipice of haste, the integration of mindfulness into communication emerges as a transformative paradigm. Mindfulness in Communication sessions are crafted as sanctuaries of self-awareness and intentional engagement, offering participants a reprieve from the tumultuous cadence of contemporary interaction.
At the heart of these sessions lie practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and the cultivation of present-moment awareness. Participants are gently guided to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, fostering a heightened consciousness of their own communicative patterns.
By infusing mindfulness into the very fabric of communication, individuals learn to anchor themselves in the present during interactions. This deliberate presence not only enhances the quality of listening but also empowers speakers to express themselves with clarity and authenticity.
These sessions extend beyond the immediate realm of communication, transcending into the broader landscape of emotional regulation. As participants develop a capacity for mindfulness, they gain a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between thoughts and words, fostering a sense of calm and poise even in challenging conversations.
The impact of mindfulness in communication is far-reaching. Beyond individual empowerment, it contributes to the creation of communication environments characterized by patience, understanding, and empathy. In a world inundated with information and noise, these sessions stand as beacons, guiding individuals toward a more intentional and harmonious approach to interpersonal connection.
For more information about my coaching check the link below.
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Mastering the Art of Persuasion: Boost Your Interpersonal Communication Skills
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Part 5/5: PhD - The Eternal Optimist: Next Time Will Be Different (But Not Really)
PhD Students: Where Schedules are Fiction and Coffee is King!
"Colorful Calendars, Doomed to Fail": PhD students craft rainbow schedules, thinking this time it'll stick. Spoiler: It doesn't.
"Surprise! More Work": Just when they think they've got it sorted, in swoops an email with a 'fun' new task. So long, free time!
"Becoming a Night Creature": Who needs sunlight? The real magic happens at 2 AM, fueled by the glow of a laptop screen.
"Coffee: The New Water": PhD students don't just drink coffee; they breathe it. It's not a choice; it's survival.
"Procrastination Olympics": Watch as they masterfully avoid work by reorganizing sock drawers. Followed by panic-induced hyper-productivity.
"Time, What's That?": One minute it's Monday; next, it's deadline day. Time flies when you're... panicking.
"Free Time? Sounds Fake": When they do get a break, they're too puzzled to enjoy it. Ends up napping with books as pillows.
"Deadline Superhero Mode": Everything gets done in a last-minute frenzy. How? Magic (and maybe a bit of crying).
"Post-Deadline Amnesia": Once it's over, they forget the chaos and swear to never repeat it. Narrator: "They will."
"Next Time Will Be Different": The eternal PhD mantra. Hope springs eternal, but so does the chaos.
Basically, PhD students are like superheroes who fight the villains of procrastination and deadlines with the power of caffeine and last-minute panic. "Running on coffee and a questionable understanding of time management!"
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The nomad developer setup #2: infrastructure as code
In a first article, I shared a quick and easy way to access VScode from any browser. You still need to create a cloud provider account and setup a server. In this second article I will share with you a way to automate all the steps needed from the moment you have created your account to using VScode in the browser. In order to do this I am sharing a GitHub repo at the end of this article. It contains all the Infrastructure as Code (IaC) you need.
IaC is a practice in software engineering, mostly on the devops side, that involves managing and provisioning infrastructure through code, rather than manual processes. It allows for the automated deployment and configuration of infrastructure, enabling consistency, scalability, and version control for your infrastructure.
The repository combines three very powerful tools: Packer, Ansible and Terraform.
- Packer is a tool to create machine images avoiding to re-install everything every time you start an instance.
- Ansible is an automation tool that simplifies complex tasks like configuration management. In a simple yaml file (a playbook) you can install and configure your server(s).
- Terraform is an infrastructure as code tool that enables the provisioning and management of cloud resources using declarative configuration files.
Please check the README carefully, it lists the current limitations and will be updated when the repo evolves.
In a next article I will add even more automation to it using a ci/cd (continuous integration and continuous delivery) pipeline using GitHub workflow to allow you to start/stop this infrastructure as you wish without accessing anything else than a web browser.
Happy Devops!
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The nomad developer setup #2: infrastructure as code
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Part 3/5: 9 Hilarious Truths Only Ph.D. Students Will Understand
Ph.D. Life: When Your Brain Expands, and Your Social Life Disappears!
- Coffee Transformation: You start to believe that coffee is a basic human right.
- Time Bender: Somehow, all your deadlines are 'tomorrow'.
- Lab Maze Runner: You know your lab better than your own home.
- Conference Life: You're there for the free coffee and snacks.
- Email Excavation: Finding an old email feels like a treasure hunt.
- PDF Collector: You have more unread academic papers than unread emails.
- Thesis Magic: Turning random experiments into a thesis feels like a magic trick.
- Jargon Juggler: You speak a strange language that only five people in the world understand.
- Nap Ninja: Mastering the art of napping anywhere, anytime.
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Part 2/5: Humor in the Halls of Academia: A Light-Hearted Look at PhD Life
Here are some humorous and light-hearted "PhD" abbreviations:
- Permanently head Damaged (PhD): A playful nod to the intense intellectual effort involved in earning a PhD.
- Piled higher and Deeper (PhD): A humorous take on the depth and complexity of PhD-level research.
- Patiently hoping for a Degree (PhD): Reflects the long and often uncertain journey towards completing a PhD.
- Probably half Delirious (PhD): Acknowledges the stress and mental strain that can come with pursuing a doctorate.
- Pizza hut Delivery (PhD): A fun twist, imagining a PhD as something entirely different.
- Project half Done (PhD): For those times when it feels like the thesis will never be completed.
- Philosophically Disturbed (PhD): A witty take on the deep and often complex thinking required for a PhD.
These are meant in good humor and to bring a light-hearted perspective to the serious and commendable pursuit of a PhD.
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Part 2/5: Humor in the Halls of Academia: A Light-Hearted Look at PhD Life
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Part 4/5: Understanding Personalities for Leadership in Academia and Industry
Know yourself, understand others, and watch life's opportunities unfold.
- Recognize Individual Differences: Acknowledge and appreciate the diverse personality types within your team, understanding how these differences can contribute to a rich, dynamic work environment in both academia and industry.
- Adapt Communication Styles: Tailor your communication to suit various personality types. This includes being aware of how different people prefer to receive information and feedback.
- Foster Inclusive Environments: Create a workplace culture that respects and values different personalities, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration in both academic and industrial settings.
- Leverage Strengths: Identify and use the unique strengths of different personality types. In academia, this could mean assigning research roles based on individual strengths, while in industry, it might involve delegating tasks that align with team members' innate skills.
- Manage Conflict Sensitively: Understand how different personalities might clash and develop strategies to manage conflicts effectively, keeping in mind the distinct environments of academia and industry.
- Encourage Diverse Perspectives: Promote an environment where varied viewpoints are welcomed and considered. This is essential for fostering innovation and critical thinking in both fields.
- Personalized Mentorship: Offer guidance and mentorship that resonates with the individual personalities of your team members, helping them grow and develop in their respective roles.
- Embrace Learning Styles: Recognize that different personalities may prefer different learning styles. Adapt your teaching and training methods accordingly in both academic and industrial contexts.
- Promote Self-Awareness: Encourage team members to understand their own personalities and how these impact their work and interactions. This self-awareness can lead to more effective collaboration and leadership.
- Balance Team Dynamics: Strive for a balance of personalities in teams to ensure a harmonious and productive work environment. This involves understanding how different personalities can complement each other in both academia and industry.
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Part 3/5: Observational Learning for Effective Leadership in Academia and Industry
Paying close attention to the details teaches you a lot!
- Observe Leadership Styles: Focus on the behaviors and decision-making styles of leaders you admire in both academia and industry. Understand how they approach challenges and interact with their teams.
- Learn from Mistakes: Pay attention to the errors made by others. Reflect on these mistakes and contemplate alternative solutions or approaches you would adopt in similar situations.
- Seek Feedback: Consider feedback as a crucial learning tool. Use it to refine your strategies, communication, and leadership techniques.
- Study Communication Methods: Analyze how leaders effectively communicate complex ideas in academic settings and practical solutions in industry. Notice the clarity, tone, and engagement tactics they use.
- Understand Ethical Decision-Making: Observe how leaders handle ethical dilemmas, ensuring integrity and moral responsibility in both academic research and industry practices.
- Adaptability to Contexts: Learn how leaders modify their approach when dealing with academic theories versus practical industry applications. Understand the nuances and requirements of each sector.
- Collaboration and Team Dynamics: Watch how successful leaders foster teamwork and collaboration in both academia, where research projects often require interdisciplinary cooperation, and in industry, where cross-functional teamwork is key.
- Innovative Problem-Solving: Notice how leaders in both fields use creativity and innovation to solve complex problems. See how academic theories can be applied in practical industry scenarios.
- Mentorship and Development: Observe how leaders nurture talent and encourage growth in their teams, both in academic environments and in the workplace.
- Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Recognize the importance of ongoing education and staying abreast of current trends and research in both academia and industry to inform effective leadership.
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Part 2/5: The Power of Listening: A Key to Enhancing Your Leadership Skills
Listen more than you speak, and watch your world transform.
- Building Trust and Respect: Leaders who actively listen to their team members cultivate an atmosphere of trust and respect. This approach demonstrates that the leader values their team's opinions and insights, fostering a more open and collaborative work environment.
- Enhancing Decision-Making: Listening provides leaders with a broader perspective and more information, which is essential for informed decision-making. By understanding the viewpoints and concerns of their team, leaders can make decisions that are better aligned with the needs and goals of the organization.
- Conflict Resolution: Effective listening is key in resolving conflicts. By listening to all sides of a disagreement, a leader can understand the underlying issues and work towards a solution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
- Encouraging Innovation and Creativity: Leaders who listen are more likely to hear and encourage new ideas. This openness can foster an innovative culture where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute creatively.
- Improving Team Dynamics: Listening helps leaders identify and address issues within the team, whether they are related to workflow, interpersonal relationships, or resource allocation. Addressing these issues promptly can lead to a more efficient and harmonious work environment.
- Personal Growth and Learning: Leaders who are good listeners continuously learn from the people around them. This not only enhances their leadership skills but also keeps them connected to the latest trends, concerns, and opportunities within their organization.
- Employee Motivation and Engagement: Employees feel more engaged and motivated when they know their voices are heard. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and a more committed workforce.
- Modeling Positive Behavior: When leaders demonstrate effective listening skills, they set a positive example for the entire organization. This can lead to a culture where everyone listens to each other, improving overall communication and collaboration.
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Part 1/5 : Acquiring Self-Development and Leadership Skills: Beyond Innate Abilities
Becoming a great leader can transform your life, making you not only productive and satisfied but also widely admired.
"The Power of Listening"
- Practice active listening by giving full attention to the speaker.
- Avoid interrupting and ask clarifying questions to show engagement.
- Reflect on what is said and respond thoughtfully, demonstrating that you value their input.
"Observational Learning"
- Observe leaders you admire and note their behaviors and decision-making styles.
- Learn from mistakes made by others, and think about how you would handle similar situations differently.
"Navigating Team Dynamics"
- Pay attention to the unique strengths and weaknesses of each team member.
- Facilitate open and inclusive discussions to allow diverse perspectives to flourish.
- Resolve conflicts by understanding the underlying issues and motivations.
"Emotional Intelligence in Leadership"
- Work on self-awareness to understand your emotions and how they affect others.
- Practice empathy by putting yourself in your team members' shoes.
- Develop your social skills, like effective communication and conflict resolution.
"Understanding Personalities"
- Study basic personality types and traits to better predict and understand behaviors.
- Be adaptable in your approach to different personalities, customizing your leadership style as needed.
- Show genuine interest in the personal and professional growth of your team members.
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The nomad developer setup #1: A guide for beginners
Fun fact, I first wrote this article on another platform when working on Bluwr in a train. No matter the distance, it is always nice to be able to work from anywhere you want. All you need for this setup to work is an access to a web browser.
In this article I will share part of the setup that I am using. It is the first one of a series where I will be covering the whole setup I am using.
This first article is about how to set up vscode to work from any device with a web browser. Visual Studio Code is a text editor by microsoft. It can be customized with an almost infinite number of plugins. We will be using vscode in a client/server mode. The vscode server will be running on a virtual machine hosted by a cloud provider, the client can be any web browser. We will use the browser to connect to the vscode server. The interface inside the web browser will be identical to the standard vscode interface, and you will be able to edit any file on the virtual machine.
So first you need a host. Any cloud provider will do, the only thing you need is an IP address and a user that can ssh to the host. Side note here, I almost exclusively use ssh keys, never user/password to connect to cloud hosts as it is way more secure.
Once the ssh session started, install docker if not already available on the host. the execute the following command:
;;
docker run -d \
--name=code-server \
-p 8443:8443 \
-e PASSWORD=”1234” \
ghcr.io/linuxserver/code-server
;;
We could basically end this article right now. However, there are a few more things I want to talk about. These points took me a bit of time figure out and I thought I’d share them with you:
1. How to make sure you don’t have to re-install all your plugins every time you start a new code server instance
2. How to make sure your settings stored, so you don’t have to manually re-enter them every time you restart your docker container
3. How to set a custom working directory where all your code will be stored
These are all technically achieved using the same principle: bind mount a folder of your host to a dedicated folder in the docker container.
If you look at the container folder structure, you can see that all plugins are installed in the /config/extensions folder. Vscode configuration in the container is stored in /config/data/User/settings.json. If you have been using vscode for sometime and would like to use that same configuration, you can take that existing settings file and put it somewhere on your virtual machine. Finally, to get a defined workspace, you can bind mount the folder where you usually put your code to the one that is dedicated to it in the container.
The full command is :
;;
docker run -d \
--name=code-server \
-p 8443:8443 \
-e PASSWORD="1234" \
-v "/home/username/vscode_extensions:/config/extensions" \
-v "/home/user/vscode_settings:/config/data/User/" \
-v "/home/user/workspace/:/config/workspace" \
ghcr.io/linuxserver/code-server
;;
To save money, I only start and pay for cloud resources when I need them. Of course, I don’t repeat all these steps and re-install all the tools I need each time I start a new virtual machine. I use a packer/ansible/terraform combination to create a snapshot that I can use as a base image each time I create a new host. This will be the subject of my next article.
Now, working from anywhere as a digital nomad is really nice and convenient, but does not mean you should work all the time. I made this setup originally only to be geographically free, I still make it a point to have a healthy work/life balance. I have many hobbies and would not trade them for more hours of coding.
Share:
The nomad developer setup #1: A guide for beginners
copy:
https://bluwr.com/p/873145
