PERSONAL

Spent last weekend hiking in Czechia. There’s something special about autumn hiking - good weather, fewer people, and those calming colors… {{pixgeist:dcabf271-ff44-447e-8ad9-e4c785c8b5e3}} {{pixgeist:c2655942-bbc2-4d6b-a8b4-da4ab825c0be}}

CODING & TECH

Ruby & Elixir

• Found this interesting read: Implementing distributed pooling in Elixir. While I’m not confident writing Elixir (never spent enough time learning its API), I’m fascinated by its networking and “supervising” aspects. Still believe every Ruby developer could learn a lot from Elixir basics and OTP.

• New Hanami 2.2 just got released. Still want to try it someday, but learning new API doesn’t sound super exciting right now.

HUMADROID

Productive week with two main developments:

• Released Dashboard optimization: split it into two parts - Inbox for updates and separate place for tasks
• Built Compliance module (coming soon) - useful for gathering acknowledgments about security practices and things like photo sharing approvals for company events. We used something similar in Prograils.

BOOKS

• Really enjoying Slow Horses series by Mick Herron. Recommend reading before watching the TV show, though Garry Oldman’s portrayal of Jackson Lamb is so good it’s hard not to picture him while reading.

• Starting “Storyworthy” by Matthew Dicks. Not setting expectations too high, but hoping it helps me craft a better story about why I created Humadroid - one that resonates with other small business owners.

FOCUS & PRODUCTIVITY

Been revisiting this Huberman Lab episode: Focus Toolkit: Tools to Improve Your Focus & Concentration. Here’s my personalized summary (still haven’t tried NSDR though):

Key Focus Practices:

1. Work Structure

   • Work in 90-minute focused blocks
   • Take genuine breaks between sessions (no phone!)
   • Max 2-3 deep work sessions per day
   • Give yourself a few minutes to ease into focus

2. Focus Practice

   • Daily meditation, focusing on breath
   • No rigid time constraints - do what feels natural
   • Remember: It’s normal for mind to wander; key is gently returning to focus

3. Environment Setup

   • Use white noise or 40 Hz binaural beats (I use either brain.fm or endel)
   • Create a visually calm workspace
   • Wearing a hoodie or a hat can help…
   • Keep phone out of sight during focus periods

4. Foundation

   • Prioritize good sleep
   • Take actual breaks (10-30 mins) between focus sessions
   • When tired: try a guided relaxation/NSDR session