Muaz Saleh is a blog writer based in Toronto, Canada. He's interested in all things tech, science, and soccer, and likes to play card games with his family in his free time.


Follow him [on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/muaz-saleh1995/).

Muaz Saleh


## How to Stop Wasting Time: Effective Time Management Tips

In our fast-paced world, time can seem like it's slipping through our fingers, as we get distracted by various activities from binge-watching series to scrolling through social media. The truth is, even activities that seem productive, like handling too many commitments, can lead to stress and low-quality outputs. Here are some insightful time management tips to help you use your time wisely and enhance your productivity.

## 1. Utilize a Manual Time Tracking Tool: The Power of [Toggl](https://toggl.com/)

**What is Toggl?**  
Toggl is a manual time tracker that allows users to actively log their time spent on various tasks throughout the day via its dashboard. Unlike automatic trackers that passively log your app usage, Toggl requires manual input, encouraging deeper consideration of how you spend your time.

**Key Benefits:**

- **Increased Awareness:** Manually logging time helps you become more conscious of how you allocate your daily hours, leading to better time management decisions.
- **Real-Time Accuracy:** Using Toggl’s real-time tracking feature prevents the inaccuracies that come from recalling activities after they’ve happened.
- **Reduction in Time Waste:** Knowing that you’re tracking what you’re actually working on can minimize the tendency to switch tasks or get distracted.

Though not for everyone, trying Toggl for a short period can be an enlightening experiment to truly understand your time usage patterns.

## 2. Get Clear on Your Priorities

Understanding and defining your priorities is crucial in managing your time effectively. By sitting down and reflecting on what is truly important to you, you can avoid overcommitting and becoming overwhelmed.

**Tips to Define Priorities:**

- **Examine Your Current Commitments:** Consider what your schedule would look like without new commitments. This helps in deciding whether to take on additional tasks.
- **Life Value Questions:** Ask yourself if, looking back from your deathbed, you would regret not doing a particular activity. This helps in aligning your daily tasks with your long-term values.

## 3. Batch Similar Tasks

Batching involves grouping similar tasks and handling them in a single dedicated time block. This method not only saves time but also reduces the mental load of switching between tasks.

**Batching Examples:**

- **Run Errands Together:** Combine all outside errands into one trip to save time and energy.
- **Home Organization:** Group all low-energy, home-based tasks like tidying or organizing documents.
- **Professional Tasks:** Batch administrative tasks related to your main work, like setting up meetings or handling correspondence in one go.

## 4. Master the Art of Saying "No"

Being able to say "no" is a fundamental skill in time management. It allows you to focus on your priorities and avoid being stretched too thin.

**How to Say No Effectively:**

- **Be Honest and Respectful:** Acknowledge the request kindly, explain your other commitments, and respectfully decline.
- **Provide Alternatives:** If possible, suggest other people or resources that might help the requester, showing support without committing your time.

## 5. Leverage Deadlines to Increase Productivity

Deadlines can be a powerful motivator. They create a sense of urgency that can help you focus and complete tasks more efficiently.

**Benefits of Deadlines:**

- **Provides Structure:** Deadlines give you a clear timeframe which helps to reduce procrastination.
- **Enhances Focus:** The pressure from a deadline can help you concentrate better and work more diligently.

## Conclusion

Effective time management is not about filling every minute of your day with tasks, but about choosing what to do wisely. By utilizing tools like Toggl and techniques such as task batching and setting clear priorities, you can not only save time but also live a more productive and fulfilling life. Remember, managing your time effectively means managing your life effectively.


Learn how to enhance your productivity and manage your time more effectively with these five insightful time management tips. Discover tools and techniques to help you stop wasting time and start achieving more in your daily life.

How to Stop Wasting Time - 5 Useful Time Management Tips


# Unlocking Your Productivity Potential

Today, let's delve into the art of crafting a productivity system that revolutionizes how you manage your time and tasks. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's address the fundamental question: Why do you need a productivity system?

The answer is simple yet profound: A productivity system empowers you to focus on what truly matters, allowing you to accomplish meaningful tasks efficiently while reducing stress. By offloading cognitive burdens onto a well-designed system, you free your mind to excel at what it does best—creativity, enjoyment, and living in the present moment.

So, let's break down the essence of a productivity system by categorizing tasks into three types:

## Type One Tasks:

These are tasks where your innate abilities shine—creativity, relaxation, social interactions, and more. Let your brain thrive in these areas without unnecessary strain.

## Type Two Tasks:

While your brain can handle these tasks, a productivity system can enhance efficiency. Think of managing calendars, tasks, and emails—areas where a system can streamline processes and alleviate cognitive load.

## Type Three Tasks:

Here lies the domain where a productivity system is indispensable. These tasks involve storing information unrelated to your core interests—like memorizing details or managing data. Let your system handle these tasks, freeing up mental space for more meaningful pursuits.

Now, let's explore how to construct your productivity system across three layers:

### Layer One: The Run Layer

This foundational level focuses on keeping your life in order and comprises four essential components:

- **Calendar:** Use a digital calendar to schedule events, block out time for tasks, and eliminate the stress of trying to remember every commitment.
- **Email Management:** Adopt a system like "One Touch to Inbox Zero" to efficiently process emails and avoid inbox overwhelm.
- **To-Do List:** Capture tasks and commitments in a centralized app to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
- **File Management:** Utilize cloud storage for seamless access to essential documents and eliminate the clutter of physical files.

### Layer Two: The Hermione Layer

This optional layer caters to avid readers and knowledge seekers and focuses on capturing insights from your consumption:

- **Kindle App:** Read and highlight key passages effortlessly, ensuring important insights are easily accessible.
- **Read It Later App:** Save articles and content for consumption at your convenience, preventing distractions and preserving focus.
- **Readwise:** Centralize your highlights from various sources into one hub for easy reference and retrieval.
- **Note-Taking Apps:** Capture thoughts and ideas on the go, ensuring important information is never lost in the shuffle.

### Layer Three: The Dumbledore Layer

At the pinnacle lies the concept of building a second brain—a repository of knowledge and insights that transcends mere storage:

- **Building a Second Brain:** Embrace a system like Tiago Forte's "Building a Second Brain" to make connections, foster creativity, and leverage your productivity system for transformative purposes.

In conclusion, crafting a personalized productivity system empowers you to reclaim control of your time, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters. Whether you're a Type One, Type Two, or Type Three task aficionado, designing a system that aligns with your needs is key to unlocking your productivity potential.


Explore a personalized productivity system across three layers—Run, Hermione, and Dumbledore—to unlock efficiency and reduce stress.

Unlocking Your Productivity Potential


# How to Learn Machine Learning in 2024

In today's digital age, all you need to embark on the journey of learning machine learning (ML) is a laptop and a roadmap of steps to follow. As a student researcher who has navigated interviews with prestigious companies like Google DeepMind and Amazon, I understand the importance of a structured approach to learning ML. In this guide, I'll share the six key steps I would take to master machine learning if I were starting over.

## Step 1: Master Python Basics

Python serves as the cornerstone of ML development, making it essential to grasp its fundamentals. Whether you're new to programming or seeking to reinforce your skills, starting with Python tutorials or courses is the way to go. Focus on understanding concepts like data types, control structures, and list comprehensions, as they form the basis for more advanced ML techniques.

## Step 2: Embrace Fundamental Math Concepts

While Python handles much of the heavy lifting in ML, a solid grasp of fundamental math concepts is indispensable. Concepts like calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory underpin ML algorithms, enabling practitioners to understand their inner workings. Thankfully, there are numerous resources available, from online courses to interactive platforms like Khan Academy and Brilliant.org.

## Step 3: Explore the ML Developer Stack

With Python basics and math concepts in your toolkit, it's time to dive into the ML developer stack. Familiarize yourself with essential tools like Jupyter notebooks and libraries such as pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib. These tools empower you to manipulate data, perform mathematical operations, and visualize results—a crucial skill set for any aspiring ML practitioner.

## Step 4: Take Comprehensive ML Courses

Structured ML courses offer invaluable insights into both theory and practice. Courses like Andrew Ng's Machine Learning Specialization provide a comprehensive overview of ML concepts and frameworks like scikit-learn and TensorFlow. By following along with practical exercises, you'll gain hands-on experience and build confidence in applying ML techniques.

## Step 5: Study Neural Networks

Neural networks lie at the heart of deep learning, driving advancements in areas like natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision. Dive deep into neural networks by following resources like Andrej Karpathy's neural network series, which demystifies concepts like backpropagation and model architecture. Combine theoretical understanding with practical implementation to reinforce your learning.

## Step 6: Deep Dive into Deep Learning

Building on your foundation in ML and neural networks, delve into advanced topics through courses like the Deep Learning Specialization. Explore cutting-edge techniques and frameworks like Hugging Face for NLP tasks, gaining proficiency in areas of interest. Supplement your learning with additional resources to expand your skill set and stay abreast of industry developments.

## Step 7: Work on Projects

Projects serve as the proving ground for your newfound skills, allowing you to apply theory to real-world problems. Engage in Kaggle challenges to tackle diverse datasets and hone your problem-solving abilities. Additionally, reimplementing research papers and reproducing results provides valuable experience and demonstrates your proficiency to potential employers.

## Step 8: Stand Out and Improve

As you progress on your ML journey, seek opportunities to differentiate yourself and continue improving. Contribute to open-source projects, share your knowledge through blogging or videos, and network within the ML community. By staying curious and proactive, you'll continuously evolve as a machine learning practitioner.

Embarking on the path to mastering machine learning requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace lifelong learning. By following these steps and immersing yourself in the rich ecosystem of resources available, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the dynamic field of ML.


Embark on the journey of mastering machine learning in 2024 with a laptop and a roadmap of steps. Follow these six key steps to navigate the dynamic landscape of ML and propel your skills to new heights.

How to Learn Machine Learning in 2024


## Unveiling the Power of the Feynman Technique

There's a famous adage often attributed to Albert Einstein: "If you can't explain it simply, then you don't understand it well enough." While its origins may be debated, its wisdom is undeniable. This quote encapsulates a profound piece of study advice: to truly comprehend a concept, teach it.

In my exploration of effective study methods, I stumbled upon the Feynman technique—an approach named after the illustrious physicist Richard Feynman. Feynman, renowned for his contributions to quantum electrodynamics and his knack for simplifying complex ideas, believed in the power of teaching as a tool for deepening understanding.

The essence of the Feynman technique lies in its simplicity: explain a concept in plain language as if teaching it to someone else. This process not only reinforces comprehension but also exposes gaps in knowledge.

Let's delve deeper into the four-step process of the Feynman technique:

1. **Understand the Concept**: Begin by grasping the concept you intend to explain. Take the time to dissect it, ensuring clarity in your own mind.
2. **Simplify with Plain Language**: Break down the concept into its simplest form. Avoid jargon and technical language, opting instead for clear, concise explanations.
3. **Identify Knowledge Gaps**: As you articulate the concept, pay attention to areas where your understanding falters. These gaps indicate areas for further study and refinement.
4. **Refine and Clarify**: Review your explanation critically. Identify areas where complexity crept in and strive to simplify further. The goal is to distill the concept to its essence without sacrificing accuracy.

The beauty of the Feynman technique lies in its versatility. Whether you're grappling with mathematical theorems, historical events, or coding principles, the process remains the same. By embracing the role of teacher, you solidify your grasp of the subject matter while honing your communication skills.

But the true magic happens when you adopt a childlike curiosity in your explanations. Imagine conveying the Pythagorean theorem to a curious youngster. Their relentless pursuit of "why" challenges your assumptions and drives deeper understanding.

In essence, the Feynman technique transcends disciplines, making it a potent tool for learners of all stripes. Whether you're preparing for an exam or simply seeking to broaden your knowledge, embracing the art of explanation is the first step towards mastery.

So, the next time you encounter a challenging concept, don't shy away from teaching it. Embrace the Feynman technique, and unlock the transformative power of simplicity in learning.

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Uncover the transformative power of the Feynman Technique: Simplify to master. Teach to learn.📚 

All posts

How to Stop Wasting Time - 5 Useful Time Management Tips

Unlocking Your Productivity Potential

How to Learn Machine Learning in 2024

How to Learn Faster with the Feynman Technique