coding

by Winston Ash on Coding

Documentation = Success.

I look at the size of the task ahead and balk. Thinking about all the things I need to learn gives me ajida. But that is only one part. The other part is my impatience grows. Daily I long for the time where I will be good at coding. When it becomes second nature like driving a car or walking. But alas, here I am. At the end of the beginning.
 
For the next phase of study, I put together an education plan. Speaking to an IBM employee at a party recently gave me the idea. We discussed how he got his job and many other details. What I gained from that conversation was an idea that has stuck with me. Planning and executing is the name of the game. Without a target (a defined outcome) then I will never get to where I want to be. I digress. I heard this many other places and have never put it into practice. Why now? What’s different? The simple answer: me. I’ve realized the error of my ways. Documentation is critical to success. It allows me to see where I have issues and adjust for them.
 

Here’s what the next 90 Days plan looks like:

 
by Winston Ash on Coding

Learning React

Videos watched. 

Notes taken. 

Flash cards reviewed.

Tutorials studied.

Code learned from YouTube.

Brain taking in all the information. 

The possibilities are huge. 

Ideas turned into reality.

Mind blown daily. 

 
by Winston Ash on Coding

#Coding Update: 08/01/2017

On to the next one. Finished “Making A Website” on Codecademy.

Next Up:

Reading “Learning React: Functional Web Development with React and Redux” by Alex Banks. Book is well-written and helping. While reading this book I am also watching videos on YouTube. I created a set of flashcards based on the book that I use to study. Hard work to put this information into my memory. But once there, watch out. I ‘ll be able to do amazing things with React.

My Plan:

[clickToTweet tweet=”Learn. Code. Projects. Code. Freelance. ” quote=”Learn. Code. Projects. Code. Freelance. ” theme=”style4″]

I can be found on Twitter @winstonash1 and Instagram @winston_ash where I love to talk about business, politics, tech, self-education, and success.

I am in love with coding: front end web development, React, JavaScript, and Python. My current learning interests include: robotics, machine learning, data analysis, and business processes. On my bucket list: running a marathon in 2018.

 
by Winston Ash on Coding

Inspired Design

I open up the internet and the first thing I notice are the details. I’m intrigued by the background, the pictures, the theme. In a glance I take everything in. Good or bad? Do I like the headline? What’s above the fold?
 
In that first second, my questions answered and I am satisfied. Then I move on to what I was doing.
 
It’s interesting how our mind works. I’m fascinated how design plays such a huge part in our feelings. My passion wakes up each time I see a website. And that is how I knew. I’m hooked. Web design and development is what I do for fun. Not for the money. But because I can.
 
On to my studies. I’ve been working on learning React. I took two courses through Codecademy and now I’m reading a book, “Learning React” by O’Reilly Media. Why would I read a textbook? Because learning is fun when done for a selfish goal.
 
Let’s talk about my goal some more. The goal comes from long-term strategy. I realize that in the next twenty years – the prime of my life. That the world will change. It will change in ways that I can’t imagine now. But to be an early adopter I need to be in the vangaurd. Leading the way into the future. So, I must learn everything about coding, technology, and robotics. Even if we are only starting now. By taking the long view and getting the foundation set. I will be able to jump on opportunities as they arise.
 
Yes, it’s a long time away. But, no it’s not. It feels like yesterday I was a kid; now, I have a multi-million dollar operating budget and 31 people who depend on me.
 
1% improvement a day. Add the compounding effect and exponential growth. With consistent work for the next few years, I can move into the right place.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Like Wayne Gretzky, I’m going to where the puck is going to, not where it’s been.” quote=”Like Wayne Gretzky, I’m going to where the puck is going to, not where it’s been.” theme=”style2″]
 
by Winston Ash on Coding

#Coding Skills Update

On a mission to crush every single course that’s offered on Codecademy. I love these courses because they give instant feedback. Information, test, response. With feedback like that I gain understanding and knowledge much quicker. Also I make it a game. Do X amount of work; get a reward. I highly recommend these courses if you are like me and need instant feedback, backstory, and examples.

[clickToTweet tweet=”No secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. Colin Powell” quote=”No secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. Colin Powell”]

I am in love with coding: front end web development, React, JavaScript, and Python. My current learning interests include: robotics, machine learning, data analysis, and business processes. On my bucket list: running a marathon in 2018.

Thanks for reading!

I can be found on Facebook, Twitter and  Instagram where I love to talk about business, politics, tech, self-education, and success.

 

 
by Winston Ash on Coding

Learning New Ideas

The process simplified.

Define. Meaning. Recall. Repetition.

Two steps.

  1. Skim and pull out important concepts.
  2. Add meaning and depth to those concepts.

To understand abstract concepts, use concrete examples. Nothing beats the real world.

If needed, read actual text.

This process allows fast and deep learning.

Final Step.

Frequent mini-tests. Use flashcards to test your knowledge.