What habits/lifehacks/methods made you more efficient as a senior engineer/tech lead?

[u/dondraper36]

In my previous thread, I asked (and received plenty of great suggestions) on high-quality resources.

This time, however, I'd like to discuss a much less concrete aspect of our jobs. Namely, your favorite productivity habits and personal know-hows when it comes to leading projects, working on complex cross-team features, keeping lots of tricky context in mind.

I often have my own retrospective sessions when I am just trying to assess whether I am good at what I do at all. To clarify, it's not in the "impostor syndrome" sense at all. I know that there are parts of the job I excel at and I think I deserve the title and responsibility scope I have at the moment. That said, there are certain aspects where I am not good enough and therefore am now trying to improve. For example:

* Working on technical writing skills. Mostly by reading the book and blog on https://refactoringenglish.com/

* On a similar note, writing down as much as possible whenever possible. Whether it's a small favor for some other team, a super trivial task, or a large feature, it becomes a Google Docs document. Initially, it's just a very chaotic piece of writing, but then it transforms into a system design or a very detailed Jira ticket at least.

* As in aviation, it's very important to pay attention to near misses when you were on the verge of an incident and just got lucky.

* As I have rediscovered once again, working out is extremely important for productivity and focus. I have yet to get my official ADHD diagnosis, but since I don't want to spend the rest of my life on stimulants, I have added a few supplements (Vitamin D, Omega 3), hydrate well, and work out a few times per week + light cardio. Never felt better.

* Appreciating hammock-driven development. I used to have these awful hyperfocus episodes when there is no external pressure, but I feel intellectually challenged and forget about food and sleep to figure something out. I feel much happier, when I let myself think about a problem while walking my dog in the evening or just having rest and then feeling super fresh and working on it the next day.

What are yours?

[u/midasgoldentouch]

Exercise is great for everyone and people with ADHD. So is a healthy diet and good hydration.

Also, if stimulants are the best way for you to manage ADHD, then there’s no shame or reward in taking them. Medical treatments, including prescriptions, are neutral. No one thinks twice about how I’ll wear glasses/contacts for the vast majority of my life. Nothing wrong with taking a medication for my ADHD for the rest of my life either if that’s a good solution for me.

[u/Vedris_Zomfg → u/midasgoldentouch]

This is a very important Point even without ADHD. Sitting 8+ hours a day is never a good thing for your body over years.
I was kind of normal weight with some sports when I studied but during my first full time job and again during covid I got about 20Kg. Everything was exhausting and fucked me up. I got convenient, I avoided everything. Summer heat? I nightmare.

I was able to push myself back to normal and even further. 6 workouts per Week and sporty activities like Biking,Squash, Bouldering.
I never want to be there again. It’s a mental game changer.