Your post resonates with my experiences in learning AI removed link I'd like to add another technique I've found effective in my AI/ML learning journey: the Pomodoro Technique. This time-management method involves breaking study sessions into focused 25-minute intervals (called "Pomodoros") with short 5-minute breaks in between. After completing four Pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break to recharge. This approach helps me maintain focus, avoid burnout, and track my progress more efficiently.
@darrenljw Thanks for sharing your experience! I've personally tried the Pomodoro Technique as well, but I found that the standard length of time felt too short and sometimes interrupted my "flow" state. So, I experimented and discovered that breaking my study sessions into 90-minute intervals worked better for me. Everyone learns differently, so it's essential to explore various methods to find what works best for each individual.
Hey Meldrick, congrats on your achievement! It sounds like you've been on quite the journey. I can totally relate to your struggles. When I was getting ready for my AIAP program, I had a tough time finding the time and motivation to dive into such a foreign subject. And with all the endless options available now, it was easy to get stuck in a never-ending analysis paralysis loop, making it even harder to just start. (Andrew Ng's updated Coursera course definitely was a good introduction.)
But, you're right. The key is just to have the right mindset and take that first step, no matter how small. Even if you only have 15 minutes to spare, it's better to do something than nothing. And forget about trying to find the "perfect" course, lecture, textbook, or problem. As long as you start, you'll gain momentum and keep going.
In addition to having the right frame of mind, like Darren mentioned, I have found the Pomodoro technique to be very helpful in chunking my time and attention. Personally, like Meldrick, I've also come to be more flexible with the timings, extending the session and skipping breaks when needed. When you're coding, that's when you're in the zone (which often lasts for more than the standard 25 minutes), and you don't want to lose that momentum!
@darrenljw Good morning! I use the pomodoro technique pretty extensively too. Like what was mentioned, one of the adjustments that I made was to ensure that I am flexible with it. If I am in the proverbial zone, I tend to just ignore the timer and go on. I'm going to guess that you've heard of Barbara Oakley's course?
One of the key benefits was the idea of having a firm idea of being "done" after the 25 minutes is up, it gets that racing against the clock feeling that seems to help me focus. Most websites which have the pomodoro implementation usually also offer the ability to write a small description of the pomodoro, this allows me to track my time and it provides good feedback as to whether I am over or underestimating the efforts of a particular tasks.
That being said, some of the tasks are also living at the bottom of my list for months now...😔
@meldrick_wee bite size learning is what i adopted 5,6 years ago, the technique is stable and very enduring. Juggling full time job (i'm an accountant), pursuing my programming hobby and training swimming daily means I too have to be a time management guru. I've been learning nodejs for 5 months before i received an aiap invite and i just click it. I realised i have to know python, as I am in the midst of learning nodejs, which i find its more fun to learn. But since tech is developing so fast, and new languages are being interfaced regularly in new systems, just do it. The full time job is taxing too, so I adopted Dawyne Johnson's tranining routine, wake up at 4.30am, and spend 1 - 2 hours learning programming, before my morning swim, sleep at 9+ night before. Now this routine is what I am used to, its slow, but the memory sticks longer with me. Yes, sticking to a habitual corner helps me concentrate and focus too. I think after the morning swim, my body is rejuvenated for the day's work again. Why I am into this, is because I realised I am more excited developing and automating tasks then doing accounting itself, my motivation in programming starts there. AI seems to be the next progression of automation, no idea how it ends.
Your enthusiasm for learning and self-discipline to stick to a goal is inspiring! It's great to see that you're open to exploring new languages and technologies, even when it means transitioning from Node.js to Python. AI indeed seems to be the next progression in automation, and while we can't predict exactly how it will all unfold, it's exciting to be a part of this ever-evolving and extremely dynamic field.
Keep up the amazing work, and I wish you the best of luck in your journey. If you ever have any questions or would like to share your experiences, feel free to reach out here on the forum. We're all here to learn and grow together!
