07 Oct 2026 #coding
As I adapt and adopt AI, I’ve come up with four rules to leverage AI while keeping my coding skills in shape. I’ve compiled them into the C.R.O.D. framework. Here it is:
C) - Calculator: Use AI as a calculator: only useful if you know what you’re doing. Don’t use AI to generate code you wouldn’t be able to write yourself. Build skills first, then leverage AI.
R) - Read-Only: Don’t give AI full control. You’re the surgeon and AI is your operating room staff. AI can suggest actions and hand you tools, but you’re always in charge. Never use code you don’t understand.
O) - Oversight: Use AI as an extra layer of verification, just like a copilot in a cockpit. If you write code, AI reviews it. If AI generates code, you review it.
D) - Do It Yourself: Write the code yourself if it would take you longer to instruct AI than to write it. Even with autopilot, pilots still train and practice manual flying to maintain their skills. Keep your coding skills sharp.
Use AI like a calculator, keep it read-only, apply oversight, and never stop doing the work yourself. AI only amplifies the skills you already have.
To help you build skills that last a career, I wrote Street-Smart Coding. The roadmap I wish I had on my journey from junior to senior coder.
06 Oct 2026 #wellness #productivity
Recently I’ve been struggling with my sleep. Two nights without sleep took a toll on my sleeping habits and mental health. That’s why I’m resurfacing some of my posts on the subject. As a reminder for my future self.
#1. Without rest, all Notion dashboards are pointless. Resting is the only productivity tip that works.
#2. I bet you wouldn’t like to miss an important meeting or appointment. Well, you already have one—with yourself. Schedule rest just like you schedule any other meeting. Even if that means stopping to do nothing.
#3. A healthy life starts with your sleep. The man trying to live forever suggests becoming a professional sleeper as the #1 health hack. No sleep = no energy = no drive to keep a balance life.
#4. A better sleep hygiene doesn’t need complicated, here are some tips my doctor gave me. Pair them with these these habits to stay away from the doctor’s office.
06 Oct 2026 #wellness #books
My goal of creating a healthy and purposeful lifestyle took me to reread Brain Wash by David Perlmutter and Austin Perlmutter.
Brain Wash is a science-based guide to reconnect with our brains.
Each chapter shows the science behind healthy habits and how they affect the brain.
Being a fan of 10-idea lists, here are 7 ideas I learned from it:
#1. Disconnection syndrome.
Big corporations and our bad daily habits have hijacked our brains.
We live disconnected from ourselves, from people around us, and from nature.
#2. Your brain can heal and change.
Between your ears, you have the most powerful device in the world.
It’s resilient and adaptable.
You can take back the control.
#3. What you eat affect directly your brain.
You’re eating not for yourself, but for billions—your microbiome.
It has a directly line to your brain.
What you eat affects how you feel.
#4. Nature heals you and reconnects you.
Aim to spend at least 30 minutes in a park, at the beach, or outdoors.
#5. Move!
Combine strength, cardio, and stretching.
Exercising reduces inflammation, lowers cortisol levels, and delays Alzeihmer’s.
Inflammation is directly linked with more diseases.
#6. What you see on a screen is designed to take you something:
Your data, attention, or money.
Social media is designed to hijack your reward mechanism to keep you hooked.
We’re being robbed.
#7. Sit in silence with your thoughts for 12 minutes every day.
Meditation and mindfulness literally reshapes your brain.
Breathing deeply trains you to live calmer.
04 Oct 2026 #wellness
Poor sleeping habits can kill you. Literally.
Miss two days of good sleep in a row and you’ll feel like a walking dead.
And no amount of cups of coffee will help.
I know because I’ve struggled with my sleep recently.
On a recent checkup, I brought up the subject with my doctor.
Here’s what she recommended:
#1. Have a light dinner and have it early, preferably while there’s still sunlight.
#2. Before going to bed, turn off LED lights and go with a soft lamp in a corner.
#3. Keep electronic appliances out of your bedroom.
No more TV, LED alarms, or phones.
Sleep in a dark room.
#4. Go to bed early.
Better to wake up early next day than staying in bed longer.
#5. Avoid drinking fluids after dinner and go to pee before going to be.
And resist the temptation of get out of bed, if you’re used to waking up to pee.
#7. As soon as you wake up, get some sun light to synchronize your circadian rhythm.
#8. Keep your stress under control.
Stress raises cortisol and if your cortisol levels are already high, anything will wake you up at night.
Sleep is your best productivity hack and the easiest level to pull to live healthier and longer.
03 Oct 2026 #writing
This is my daily post #701.
This last 100 posts felt like crossing the final line in a marathon, without realizing how you got there.
It was just one foot in front of the other—or one post after the other.
My daily writing started in Nov 1st, 2024.
I was recovering from burnout and writing was my way of bringing joy back to my life.
I knew writing would take me somewhere else.
And I was right.
It’s one of the habits has changed my life.
In these last 100 days, my blog turned 8 years, I finished another book, Street-Smart Coding Manifesto, and I started a Substack publication to document my mission of living free from burnout.
My most-read posts
From blog aggregators, replies, and social blogs, here are
Here are my 100-post, 200-post, 300-post, 400-post, 500-post, and 600-post reflections.
If any of my posts has inspired you or taught you anything, and you want to support this blog, grab a copy of one of my books. You can pay what you want via Gumroad. They’re also available in Kindle and paperback formats via Amazon.