Pacing yourself
My friends in University are very easy-going about school projects. When I go to ask them about school stuff. Sometimes they tell me: “What do you mean that’s good.” or “That’s good enough”. Most of the time, I think the same. Other times they help me reacquire that mindset. I believe the majority of school projects aren’t something to lose sleep over. This isn’t something that is written in stone of course. There are some projects I want to give more to than others.
This mindset helped me just very recently. Two weeks ago, I moved apartments and had two incredibly busy weeks in a row. I was stressing quite a bit and was trying to prioritize things. Just in case I don’t have time to do everything that I need to do. Then I decided to lower my standards for schoolwork. Just for a little while to take a breather.
I think it’s important to learn when to work hard and when to take it easier. It isn’t sustainable to keep working hard all the time. Apparently, stress is as big a killer as smoking. I notice I become cranky, sleep worse and overall, just feel worse. Revolutionary thought: “It’s bad to feel bad all the time”.
I would spend way too much time tweaking small things that probably didn’t matter in the end. But now, I’m trying to be more strategic. If something is worth the extra effort, I’ll give the extra effort. But if I’m just stressing over details that won’t even be graded, maybe it’s okay to just let it be. Sometimes ‘Good enough’ really is good enough.
Another area I have been trying to apply a balanced mindset is my English learning. I’m even doing it right now. Of course, I want to write coherent text and get my thoughts across, but will I be using more than an hour or two on a singular English assignment? Probably not.
One specific goal of mine in English learning is learning academic English and the terminology relevant to my field. Learning this terminology not only happens in English class, but almost every course has its material also in English. Sometimes I read them just for fun. It doesn’t feel like learning English, but something you kind of get on the side. Passively. Another good way to learn CS terminology is by watching programming tutorials. I feel I have already learned a lot.
In the end, I think when learning about computers or language or anything, it is as much about the mindset as it is about effort. Pushing yourself is important, but knowing when to take it easier is just as valuable.
Well written blog!
VastaaPoistaI really liked your reflection on finding balance between effort and self-care. It is so easy to overthink small details even though they don't really matter that much in the end.
VastaaPoistaI completely agree. Giving 100% to everything isn’t sustainable. It is important to know when to push yourself and when to take it easy.
VastaaPoistaI really like your point about finding balance and knowing when ‘good enough’ is truly enough. It’s a healthy mindset that helps avoid burnout while still learning effectively.
VastaaPoistaThis is a great point! I can relate a lot, being a perfectionist putting your max effort even to the smalllest task can create a lot of stress, is really important to start putting list of priorities. Well written post!
VastaaPoista