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Hi! My name is Terrie and I have some advice for you!

Whether you are learning web development for a hobby, a side hustle, a job upgrade, or a whole new career...your goal should be to work smart and healthy. Here are some tips to make your time with Skillcrush a more enjoyable experience -- mind, body, and soul.

Mind

undoredoTypos Are Your Best Teachers
A lot of "mistakes" happen due to simple typing or syntax errors. When something doesn't happen the way you think it should - the very firs thing to check is if everything is spelt correctly and in the correct or order. Think of typos as little teaching moments sprinkled throughout your day.

createMake Your Own Cheat Sheets
Skillcrush provides some useful cheat sheets that should absolutely be used for reference. But try creating your own as well. The act of organizing and summarizing in written form what you have just learned helps cement input in your memory. And if you want to spend some time to make them pretty - you are getting some design practice too.

warningPrepare For Obstacles
It is absolutely guaranteed that at some point, you will get frustrated, confused, and feel like quitting. So get ready for that moment! Make a promise to yourself that when it happnes, you will first take a break, and then some basic problem-solving techniues: backup and redo, use Google to find a tutorial somewhere, or use the Skillcrush Student Community on Slack to ask for help.

Body

event_seatWork In Comfort
Take time to set up your workspace so that it supports your health in long run. You don't need to spend a lot of money, but a few investments here and there are cheaper than carpal tunnel surgery. Here is a good place to start

alarmTake Regular Breaks
Use an app, browser extension, or even just a kitchen timer - but set up and take regular, timed breaks. They don't have to be long, but taking time to stand up, walk around, and rest your eyes and hands will increase focus, productivity, and capacity for learning. Plus, it just feels good.

opacityDrink Water
It's okay to start your day with a cup or two of coffee. But try to drink water instead of caffeine throughout the day. We all know we shoudl, so just do it. At the very least, drinking water means that you'll need to take more breaks - which is also good for you.

Soul

favoriteMake It Fun
Create a specific, but joyful environment when Skillcrushing. Find a favorite pen, a fun notebook, or an inspiring playlist - and save them for your Skillcrush time only. Think of your Skillcrush sessions as a personal treat and it will be easier to persevere when the going gets tough.

hourglass_fullSet Input Rather than Output Goals
In Skillcrush, as with just about everything in life, some tasks just take longer than others. And it can be discouraging if you feel that you aren't keeping up or moving "fast enough". So instead, set a goal of working on Skillcrush an appropriate-for-you amount of time each day or week. That way, you are set up for success every day - no matter what you accomplish.

cakeCelebrate and Savor
When you do reach a milestone, solve a vexing problem, or just learn something new and cool - celebrate!! Get up and do a dance! Play a round of Kitchen Karaoke. Write down your victory on a small piece of paper and put it a Jar of Awesome to read later. Post it on social media or in the Skillcrush Student Community. Savor all of your victories and take joy in this journey.


Here Endeth The Lesson
Now Go Forth And Skillcrush It!