In this episode of Syntax, Scott and Wes talk about soft skills tips — productivity, planning, communication, and more.

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Show Notes

2:20 - Productivity

• Make a todo list and prioritize
• Get ideas out of your brain
• Use a tool like Notion as a second brain
• Batch related things together
• Recharge when you need it
• Have a system and stick to it

16:34 - Finishing projects

• Start
• Do a little every day
• Go all-in for a few days
• Clearly identify what needs to be done (Github issues, todo app)

23:30 - Planning tips

• I use Mind Node
• Whimsical
• Write it down when you have an idea
• Put everything in a calendar

30:24 - Communication

• Be honest and upfront with deadlines
• Give yourself padding — many people are overly optimistic
• Don’t let people expect communication from you, at all, or at all times
• Assume good intentions
• Don’t be a jerk to clients or coworkers

40:28 - Skill and career advancement

• FDD — fun driven development
• Share what you learn
• Don’t let other’s progress get you down — there is always someone smarter doing crazier stuff
• Solve your own problems
• Apply and interview for anything that’s interesting
• Track your progress
• I want to ___, I wish I could ____, You are lucky that you get to _____
• Just start! Seriously. Plan on doing something.

Links

• Todoist

Things

Notion

Evernote

Notable

Beginner Javascript

Level 1 Electron

uses.tech

Rework

Jason Freid

David Heinemeier Hanson

It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work

Mind Node

Whimsical

Javascript30

CodeSandbox

Streaks

Xerf Xpec YouTube Channel

××× SIIIIICK ××× PIIIICKS ×××

• Scott: Katsumi Horii Project - Sky Cruisin’ Album

Wes: AmpliFi ALIEN Router

Shameless Plugs

• Scott: Animating React with Framer Motion - Sign up for the year and save 25%!
• Wes: Beginner Javascript - Use the coupon code ‘Syntax’ for $10 off!

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