Feb 7 Retrospective

Overview

I pose myself several questions every week (not having to answer all of them):

• how to improve?
• any open questions?
• any small project ideas?
• introspect: what are my feelings?

This week, I’m only focusing on: how do i improve?

Learn faster and deeper

I learned a massive volume of content this week but was slower than I could’ve been. Here are several new ideas to implement:

• Use Claude in “Feynman Mode” (technique invented by Josh): prompt Claude to use the feynman technique. Force myself to explain key concepts to Claude until I believe I have sufficient understanding. In a world with Claude Code, my own understanding of concepts and ability to perform/justify system design is more important than implementing the code myself.
• Notice animal-like panic; correct: Mostly comes from class deadlines for work when I feel like I’m behind. 1) [intelectual justification following…] This is silly because the class isn’t about assignments and deadlines, it’s about maximum technical progress. Worrying about deadlines is dumb. 2) [emotional control…] I suspect this panic is anti-productive. Hormetic stress is real; little stress and fear is helpful to motivate, but panic that clouds my mind isn’t. When I notice I am panicking, the first step is to stop panicking. Remind myself that I’m not physically in danger; allow myself to relax again. Remind myself of the motivations for working hard and doing this bootcamp.
• Break work into smaller pieces: Understand the dataflows between pieces before you begin. Add the library make the MVP functional piece; nothing else. commit that. Build the next small piece; nothing else. commit that. etc.

Abundance mindset

This class is a cooperative instead of competitive environment; look for win/wins and don’t stress about being “behind”; it’s a gift to be with such a talented group

• share tips/help freely

Socialize more!

Chatting with classmates is fun and they’re really smart too. It’s probably smart to intentionally carve out a bit of time each day for this.

• 12:30-1pm block seems good for food and walks
• Try to talk to everyone; don’t form cliques