Archives for February 2016

How Failure Can Make Me an Astronaut

February 24, 2016 by jlmdiscovery

In celebration of National Engineer’s Week, I’d like to share a recent story with you about my first application to the astronaut program.

For those who don’t know, astronaut applications typically open up every four years or so and accept between 8-14 candidates. This year had a record number of 18,300 applicants (the previous record was 8,100 in 1978). This puts my chances for selection around 0.08%. And yet, even knowing I just meet the minimum qualifications, I applied because 0.08% is still higher than 0%.

I’ve wanted to apply to be an astronaut since I was eight years old. I always had this dream of filling out the “perfect” application, repeating as necessary until I finally got my chance. But when it came time to submit my first application I froze, realizing I didn’t know what I really had to offer. Sure I have the necessary degree, but what makes me stand out over those other 18,299 people?

I started to let myself get so discouraged that I nearly didn’t submit anything at all. Here was a job I had always wanted, and I felt like I had nothing to show for it. If it weren’t for my husband’s gentle nudging (who, as it happens, also applied for the program), I may have let that first opportunity I had longed for pass by. I managed to put together the best application I could muster at the moment, and now I’ll play the waiting game with everyone else over the next few months.

I’ve been going over this process again and again in my head the past week, and I realized that I have two ways to look at it: I can either let myself be discouraged or I can use this as an opportunity for growth. Every time I’ve submitted an application, interviewed, or even started a new job, I’ve been filled with anxiety over the qualifications and skills I’ve felt I lacked. And it’s all too easy to start focusing on others and letting envy creep in over their success. But why? Sitting before me now is a list of recommended traits and qualifications, along with a 50+ year history of examples who have been accepted by the program. In fact, I know that most likely four years from now the same position will open up again. So what can I change in the next four years to feel more confident in my application?

This is a challenge before me, one with objectives already laid out, ready to be met. I started by considering skills that most of the current astronauts possess. While they are no guarantee of future success, they are a great stepping stone to pursue a wider variety of abilities. Here is what I came up with:

* Advanced Degree(s)
* Subject Matter Expertise
* Published Works
* Hands-On Mechnical Experience
* Leadership/Project Management Experience
* Multiple Languages (Russian, Japanese, etc)
* Public Speaking/STEM Outreach
* General Health & Fitness
* Swimming/SCUBA Skills
* Flying Experience

Each of these translates in a series of attainable goals to pursue, with a timeline in which to complete them. Now it’s up to me to create cohesive strategies for personal development. There’s nothing stopping me from learning new foreign vocabulary each day or spending time reading up on upcoming aerospace research. And yet the biggest piece of this career puzzle isn’t even on this list: the set of skills that will set me apart from the other applicants. I need to set aside some time to brainstorm what it is that I can uniquely offer. Therein lies the confidence that I need to put forth a successful application. So, while I may not be there yet, I have a plan set in motion for the next four years that will bring me closer to my dream job.

I realize that not everyone reading this has had the lifelong goal of traveling into orbit (or perhaps you have and you’ve just never taken action on it). But this lack of confidence affects nearly anyone who’s ever applied for a job. When we read those job postings and the list of qualifications, we’re provided with a template for success. We may not have everything we need just now, but those skills are worth taking note of because they’re the ones that will get us further in the future. The best way we can approach failure is to use it as feedback on what we can do to improve ourselves.

I wish you the best of luck with your current and future endeavors!

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

If you’d like to see more posts like this, please subscribe on WordPress or Facebook to stay informed when new posts are released. I’d love to share my lists with you!

How to Declutter and Organize Your Computer

February 16, 2016 by jlmdiscovery

For the past few weeks I’ve been following the popular “Home Organization 101: A Bowl Full of Lemons 14 Week Challenge” in order to finally get our house unpacked and decluttered. It’s been a great motivator, yet I noticed that there’s one important category missing: electronic organization. Many organization articles suggest that you digitize your files, but few remind you that, like your home, your hard drive has a finite amount of space. And, if your computer isn’t treated well, you could find yourself dealing with a computer crash at the wrong time. I’m currently in the process of updating my computer, and I came up with a list to follow to guide me through the clean up. Here are my tips to declutter and organize your computer too.

Purging
The first step to cleaning out your computer is to get rid of all the files you don’t need anymore (kind of like clearing out your closet). This step takes the longest, but it will take less time in the future if you schedule routine reviews of your digital content. For fun, check your hard drive space before and after you complete this step (it’s fun to see a significant change). Here are the areas you want to check:

Documents: don’t forget those from your desktop, downloads folder, cloud drives, and external hard drives
Photos/Videos: you don’t really need to save photos from that lunch you made two years ago
Music: if you don’t listen to it or you’re content to use streaming stations for it, get rid of it
Emails: go through both your inbox and your archives (don’t forget to review your “sent” box)
Bookmarks: check your browser and delete any sites you don’t visit
Programs/Toolbars/Plug-Ins: uninstall any program you don’t use
Recycling Bin: save this for last and be sure to empty the bin completely once you’re sure you’ve saved what you need

If you’re debating on whether or not to keep old documents, refer to this article on how long you should keep those “important” files (although you can be slightly more forgiving with electronic versions). Keep an eye out for duplicate versions of photos or documents; you probably don’t need to save multiple copies in the long run.

Organization
Now that you’ve pared down to the files you want to keep, it’s a lot easier to organize them the way you’d like. Here are some suggestions for setting up your system:

Match your electronic filing system to your paper one: use this guide to Home File Storage to make it simple to find everything you’re looking for
Replicate the format of your filing system on any cloud drives or external hard drives: know where to move files to when backing up your computer
Ensure all your files are labeled correctly: correct anything with an unclear name and be consistent
Determine which folders and files need to stay on your desktop: use a desktop organizer or just arrange them neatly (minimize desktop clutter)
Setup a system to streamline emails: create organized inbox and archive folders to direct incoming emails

Backup
The best thing you can do for piece of mind is to routinely back up your important digital files. You never know when a hard drive may fail or get damaged, so creating copies of your files will allow you to recover quickly. Aim to backup copies of both your complete set of files and your system image, but at a minimum your personal files (documents/photos/programs/etc). There are several ways to do this:

External Hard Drives: these can be portable, stationary, or cloud-based and come in a wide range of storage capacities (I use this 8TB cloud drive but I’m also a fan of the Western Digital My Passport series)
Cloud Service: programs like DropBox, Google Drive, iCloud, and others allow you to backup either small amounts of content for free or large amounts for $50-$100/year
CD’s/Flash Drives: although not as recommended (and definitely not worth it for large batches of content), keeping a CD/flash drive of important files and photos in a fireproof safe provides some extra security

You can perform these backups using either good old-fashioned copy/paste (easy enough for personal files) or dedicated backup software (better for system-wide backups). Whichever method(s) you choose, ensure that you have enough space for all of your current storage needs with plenty of room to grow. The safest bet is to have three copies of your data: one on your primary computer and two backups in different locations. If that seems like too much at first, start with one solid backup option that you can maintain easily.

Scanning & Computer Cleanup
Okay, so your computer is decluttered and backed up. Now it’s time for a deep clean.

Run an anti-virus program: you should have one installed already; set it up for routine scans in the future to delete malicious files
Run disk cleanup: this deletes unnecessary files from your computer and can be run from the “Start” menu
Defragment your hard drive: this rearranges system files for faster performance and can also be run from “Start”
Install any updates: check for any system or program updates that you’ve been putting off (be sure to restart afterwards)
Physically clean your computer: use electronics wipes and compressed air to wipe down the screen, keyboard, slots, and casing

Preventative Tools
You’re really all set to go, but there are a few further steps you can take to help maintain your computer’s performance and organization.

Use an app like Unroll.me to unsubscribe from emails you don’t wish to receive anymore
Set up a browser tab suspender like OneTab to reduce the burden of multiple web tabs on performance
Disable unnecessary startup programs
Set periodic reminders for yourself to backup and clean out your computer every 6 months or so

Following this process should help your computer to run faster and more efficiently, plus ensure your files are protected in the unfortunate event of a crash or virus. So next time you’re working to organize your home, don’t forget electronic organization too!

If you enjoyed this post and would like to see more, please follow For the Love of Lists on WordPress or Facebook using the sidebar!

Staycation Ideas for Every Schedule

February 8, 2016 by jlmdiscovery

Sometimes as much as we’d love to be whisked off to a beach somewhere, we don’t have the time, budget, or even the energy to steal away for an extended period. The bright side is that when things get truly hectic we can often subside the stress with a mental escape or just a new perspective. If you’re in need of a change of pace, you need to look no further than your own backyard. Consider these options to escape for a day, or even just an afternoon.

Explore Your Home Town

Every time I go to New York City, I think about how I’ve never been inside the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. For 18 years I lived within an hour’s train ride of these famous attractions, yet I never took advantage of them. It makes me wonder what else I’ve taken for granted around me in the past. Thanks to military life, however, I’ve been quickly learning to explore my surroundings every chance I get. Whether you have a city at your disposal or not, consider taking time to explore your local area and theming a day around new experiences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Research local sites
- Historical places
- Museums
- Theaters
- Tourist spots (landmarks, popular areas)
- Parks, zoos, aquariums
Try out new restaurants
- Regional staples
- Ethnic food
- Food experiences (tapas, brunch buffets, wine pairings)
Take advantage of local (seasonal) activities
- Ice skating, skiing
- River tubing, sandcastle competitions
- Apple picking, corn mazes
- Festivals, fairs, conventions
Plan your day around novelty
- Take back roads or non-typical routes
- Take photos of each place you go and new facets of the town you see
- Stow technology when possible to focus on experiencing your surroundings
- Think like a first-time visitor
- If all possibilities in your town have been exhausted, see what’s available in an hour radius
- Keep a playlist handy for the car to keep the day upbeat/relaxing

Bring the Vacation to You

Years ago I came up with a unique Christmas idea for my aunt who’d been dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation: Hawaii in a box. I loaded the gift with Hawaiian CD’s, recipes, movies, a calendar, coconut cups, a lei, and anything else I could think of that would remind her of the tropics. I thought that even if I couldn’t afford tickets, this at least could help her mentally enjoy the trip whenever she chose. I’ve continued this idea whenever my husband and I need a fun date night at home. All it takes is a little creativity and imagination. The same goes for treating any dose of free time as your own personal vacation, be it a week or even just an hour. Focus on what relaxes you most and check out the following ideas:

Create a themed day
- Choose a location, experience, or memory to base it on (ex. Hawaii, Disneyland, grandma’s house)
- Match food, music, and activities
- Decorate your area with fun crafts or dress to the theme
Take advantage of outdoor activities
- Backyard camping, hiking
- Pools, sprinklers, local beach (if you’re lucky)
- Picnic
Plan a day of stay-at-home fun
- Movie/TV marathon
- Arts & crafts
- Childhood favorites (toys, books, games)
Have an at-home spa day
- Sleep in
- Create DIY salon services (mani/pedi, facial scrubs)
- Take a relaxing bath
- Listen to your favorite calm music
Enjoy a reflective retreat (personal, family, couples)
- Gather a list of questions/prompts you can ask yourselves
- Carve out time away from technology and limit distractions
- Practice techniques such as journaling, meditation, and mindfulness

Remember, any of these ideas can be used on your own, with family, or with a group of friends. It all depends on how you like to spend your “vacations”. Even an hour once a week spent on personal time will greatly relieve stress. So mark out some time and focus your attention on the experiences; treat it as an escape from your normal world. As for me, I think I see a Harry Potter-themed staycation in my future!

What ideas do you have for staycations? Share them in the comments below!

How to Stay the Course: OpenCourseWare and Independent Study

February 1, 2016 by jlmdiscovery

Ever wanted to learn a new language? Pick up some computer skills? Perhaps brush up on some world history? It’s never been easier with the wide availability of open courses and online education. The world of knowledge is literally at your fingertips 24/7, merely a click away. But even with a resolution to expand your mind, it can be difficult to stay motivated when there is no external pressure to push through the work. For some it even brings back memories of groaning school days and exam stress. Yet, it doesn’t have to feel that way. In this age we are given such an opportunity to learn anything we’ve ever wanted to learn from scholars and experts all around the world. With a few tips and tricks you too can stay the course.

OpenCourseWare (OCW) lessons deliver educational content typically published by universities and posted free or at low-cost online. They include course notes, example problems, videos, articles, and more designed for independent study. A quick search will yield results from the likes of Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Yale, Tufts, and many others. In addition, stand alone learning sites have been established to provide general education on a variety of topics. Subjects range from personal finance to advanced robotics, with everything in between. Here are a few of my favorite sources:

So now that you’ve chosen a course, how do you approach it? Check out these ten tips to keep you on track:

1) Set a (SMART) goal

Before jumping into a course, you’ll be most successful if you understand what you want to learn and when you want to learn it by. For example, “I’d like to complete this course on introductory physics within three months in order to understand the fundamentals of mechanics.” Framing the goal will help you plan out the best way to achieve it.

2) Understand your motivation(s)

It’s not always enough to just want to do something without knowing why you want to do it. Ask yourself what you to gain by taking an online course: maybe studying up on personal finance will help ease the stress of tax season/family budgeting or perhaps learning to code will enhance your resume. Make a note of the reason and post it somewhere visible so it won’t be forgotten.

3) Set short-term milestones

Some of these courses are based on material that can be covered within a week, while others are built around semester-long college syllabi. Don’t let the longer ones discourage you! Break up the course into smaller chunks (i.e. units) and set a timeline to complete each of them. Mark the dates in your calendar so you have deadlines to meet.

4) Plan a reward

While the satisfaction of completing a course may be enough for some, it always helps to dangle an extra carrot at the end of the road. Choose a reward (or multiple small ones for short-term milestones) that you can look forward to at the end of the course. Share your reward idea with friends or family to help you stay accountable.

5) Dedicate a routine time block

In busy schedules it’s difficult to squeeze in time every day for an extra task. Look at your average week and find a routine time you can focus on your education. This may be 15 minutes per day or an hour twice a week; whatever works for you consistently. Try to pick a time when you can be free from other distractions. Sticking to a routine will get you a lot further than simply logging in now and then. Speaking of distractions, make those time blocks social media-free!

6) Choose a study space

Some people need complete peace and quiet in order to study, and others don’t mind a bit of background noise. Try both and see what works best for you. Noise-reducing headphones or white noise sites (like Coffitivity) are your friends. Whichever you choose, have a clear workspace and equip it with whatever tools you may need (notebooks, pens, highlighters, post-its, etc).

7) Dedicate a notebook/binder/folder

Speaking of supplies, it’s best to keep your course notes in one location. This can be a notebook and folder with a set of printouts or a comprehensive binder. Doing this keeps you focused on one subject at a time and lets you organize your thoughts for review.

8) Set reminders

Even with a routine, it’s easy to put aside personal development when there are plenty of other tasks to complete during the day. Set reminders for your study blocks and put your sessions in your calendars as standing appointments. Make them motivational, functional, or authoritative: whichever will get you back on the computer.

9) Keep a running list of questions to answer

Retention is always optimal when we are engaged in what we are learning. If you get stuck on a concept or you don’t understand an example, make a note of it and search out the answer. Allow yourself time to review your notes and clear up any confusion.

10) Supplement with real-world applications

Course material can often get dry, so make it a point to read interesting related articles or practice what you’ve learned. If you’ve been studying Spanish, try to have a conversation with a fluent speaker. If you’ve been studying finance, create a sample budget. If you’ve been studying engineering, read up on some of the incredible inventions being released. Tying everything together will help solidify the material in your mind.

I hope these tips can help keep you motivated as you pursue your independent study. If you haven’t explored OpenCourseWare before, now is a great time to try it. There is literally a course out there for everyone. Best of luck!