Sharp tools help at the edges of science and business. If your tools are dull, you simply cannot keep up. However, you probably do not need the Large Hadron Collider to make a discovery or a High-Performance Computing Cluster to make your business idea a reality.
Given the tools you have access to at this instant (which is probably more than most people had 5 years ago), how can you make a dent in the universe?
March 24, 2014
Infastructure over willpower
I have very little willpower and don't like use the little amount I do I have.
Instead, I choose to create an infrastructure that makes the "right thing the easy thing." I set a timer for stretch and perspective breaks during head's down work. I keep my computer and web browser "clean." They only show me the right thing at the right time.
I carefully construct that infrastructure to be right for the given context. Very few options (or none) in my physical or virtual environment gives me the freedom I'm looking for.
Instead, I choose to create an infrastructure that makes the "right thing the easy thing." I set a timer for stretch and perspective breaks during head's down work. I keep my computer and web browser "clean." They only show me the right thing at the right time.
I carefully construct that infrastructure to be right for the given context. Very few options (or none) in my physical or virtual environment gives me the freedom I'm looking for.
March 17, 2014
Drowning in (the) waterfall (of) research plans
Most researchers plan too much (if they plan at all). I have seen Gantt charts and reverse calendars for research projects that do not reflect reality by the time the laser printer spits them out.
By definition, you conduct research because you do not know everything. It is foolish to think you will not discover new information about your project or your process by "doing the work."
This is where Agile software practice can inform research practice. Set a quick iteration goal (e.g., collect pilot data or run primary statistical analysis). Then assess what was done and how it was done. Adjust course.
Are we running in the right direction?
How can we run faster?
Daily stand-ups wouldn't hurt either.
By definition, you conduct research because you do not know everything. It is foolish to think you will not discover new information about your project or your process by "doing the work."
This is where Agile software practice can inform research practice. Set a quick iteration goal (e.g., collect pilot data or run primary statistical analysis). Then assess what was done and how it was done. Adjust course.
Are we running in the right direction?
How can we run faster?
Daily stand-ups wouldn't hurt either.
March 10, 2014
My focus on commonalities over differences
Humans are remarkably similar. As a species, we have relatively little genetic diversity[1]. There are cultural differences. But IMHO - our commonalities trump our differences.
I rather spend my limited time understanding the rules of humanity than the exceptions.
My scientific research focused on the basic process growing out the unique neurobiological constraints of humans. Much of psychology focuses on minor differences. The narcissism of minor differences is a sticky subject. Endless fascinating but has only a fraction of the power of unlocking our shared fundamentals.
I rather spend my limited time understanding the rules of humanity than the exceptions.
My scientific research focused on the basic process growing out the unique neurobiological constraints of humans. Much of psychology focuses on minor differences. The narcissism of minor differences is a sticky subject. Endless fascinating but has only a fraction of the power of unlocking our shared fundamentals.
-
Probably a result of a near extinction-level event. ↩
March 3, 2014
Creating playgrounds
Everyday I create playgrounds. Some of them are physical, most of them are virtual.
I see who comes to play with me. If not enough of the right people want to frolic, I change the structure or the rules. It is easier to change virtual playgrounds, but there is something magic about exchanging molecules.
I don't stress if the playground is right the first time (or ever "perfect"). I baked-in continuous change with continuous improvement is a byproduct.
I see who comes to play with me. If not enough of the right people want to frolic, I change the structure or the rules. It is easier to change virtual playgrounds, but there is something magic about exchanging molecules.
I don't stress if the playground is right the first time (or ever "perfect"). I baked-in continuous change with continuous improvement is a byproduct.
February 24, 2014
Working with visionaries
Visionaries are big dreamers. They are a driving force for change in the world. They are the spark that ignites the fire of revolutions.
They are also crazy makers. Their ideas are unbounded by external constraints. They overextend themselves and the people that work for them. They switch directions like the wind on top of Mount Everest.
I choose do not chase the wild ideas of visionaries. Ideas are real to them; Ideas are their world. I listen (and acknowledge) their world but always pause before I allow their idea-based world to influence my action-based world. I take time to weigh their ideas against the discrete, real-world actions steps necessary to manifest them.
They are also crazy makers. Their ideas are unbounded by external constraints. They overextend themselves and the people that work for them. They switch directions like the wind on top of Mount Everest.
I choose do not chase the wild ideas of visionaries. Ideas are real to them; Ideas are their world. I listen (and acknowledge) their world but always pause before I allow their idea-based world to influence my action-based world. I take time to weigh their ideas against the discrete, real-world actions steps necessary to manifest them.
February 17, 2014
Modern day mathematician
I have always wanted to be a mathematician (weird I know). Their job is playing with pure ideas and solving hard problems. All a mathematician needs is paper, a pencil, and a waste basket.
There is an old proverb - "A mathematician never soils his hands with calculations." First, ignore the gender bias. Second, in the time before computers that perspective made sense. Actual calculations waste precious time. Now that world view is limiting. Testing ideas, at any scale, is computational efficient. However if there is little (or no thought) for Big O, it is difficult to compare multiple correct methods.
I'm pragmatic in choosing between abstract calculations of run time and Monte Carlo simulations. I choose the quickest, best time estimation method for a given problem. But I always makes estimates. A modern day mathematician has to realize the constraints of reality on pure solutions.
There is an old proverb - "A mathematician never soils his hands with calculations." First, ignore the gender bias. Second, in the time before computers that perspective made sense. Actual calculations waste precious time. Now that world view is limiting. Testing ideas, at any scale, is computational efficient. However if there is little (or no thought) for Big O, it is difficult to compare multiple correct methods.
I'm pragmatic in choosing between abstract calculations of run time and Monte Carlo simulations. I choose the quickest, best time estimation method for a given problem. But I always makes estimates. A modern day mathematician has to realize the constraints of reality on pure solutions.
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