25 Tools to Engineer Your Life

March 9, 2015 by jlmdiscovery

Optimize your life with 25 tools and tricks of an engineer.

Engineers have two objectives in life: solve problems and create the future. Funny enough, these are the same missions that most of us are trying to address when tackling the challenges in our own lives. We want answers and solutions. We want to beat the odds and overcome our weaknesses. We simply want more out of life. Thankfully, we can take advantage of the same tools that engineers use to design the world and apply them to ourselves, with or without the degree.

Here are 25 methods that engineers use to approach all of life’s problems:

GETTING STARTED

1) Identify the Problem/Goal

The first step to solving any problem is to understand which problem you’re trying to solve. It’s like marking your destination so you can choose the correct path to get there. Engineers spend most of their time up front studying the problem at hand or brainstorming the future of what something could be. Before you jump ahead to potential solutions, focus on identifying your problem (or goal) and its source.

2) Define your Requirements

Now that you understand the problem, you need to determine what success looks like. What are you looking for in a solution? If you were designing an aircraft, you’d need to know how many seats you’d need, how far you’d need to go, and how much you could spend. If you’re searching for a new phone plan, you’ll need to determine how many minutes you’ll need, what features you want, and your monthly budget. Knowing your requirements helps you to rule out poor solutions later on so you can focus on comparing the ones that fulfill your needs.

3) Employ Project Management Techniques

The Project Management Institute breaks up projects into the following phases: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring/Controlling, and Closing. Engineers typically follow this process to focus on the different aspects of projects throughout their lifecycle. When solving a problem, treat it as a project: define your problem, develop a plan, take action, track your progress, and verify that you’ve achieved success.

4) Build a Knowledge Foundation

Whether facing a new subject or one you’ve known for years, it’s always best to base a solution on a solid foundation. Engineers use physics, calculus, and other elemental principles as building blocks for complex designs. You too can study the basics of the problem at hand, be it personal finance, nutrition, or time management. Look for beginner’s resources or even Wikipedia to get started.

5) Determine the Unknowns

It is just as important to know what you don’t know as it is to know what you do know. Unknowns equal risks, confusion, and procrastination. When engineers highlight their unknowns, they can make reasonable assumptions for them or identify points of further research. You can do the same by jotting down questions you have as they come up and then following through. In my experience, recognizing the information I’m missing and taking action on it is the best way to break out of being “stuck”.

6) Research

Research has become an intelligent word for “look stuff up on the internet”. While every engineer has spent their days in a library poring over books, information is much more freely accessible by a quick web search. Once you have your goal and understand the basic concepts, start researching solutions that have worked for others or ideas for your own unique improvement. Take notes and brainstorm as you go. Set a limit (per day, or overall) so you don’t get caught in an endless research loop, but give yourself ample time to do your due diligence.

7) Establish Milestones

Large projects are frequently broken up into phases. Each phase has its own milestone, typically producing a form of deliverable and/or a review of the progress thus far. For example, at the end of a design phase a team may produce a final blueprint drawing and review it against the requirements. For a weight loss resolution, we may set milestones at the end of each month to introduce short-term goals and enable motivating rewards along the way.

8) Define Phased Approaches

Sometimes we don’t have the resources to solve our problems all at once. The Space Launch System is currently being designed as a base model that will be upgraded once it has proven itself and a larger budget is available. Similarly, when paying off debt, sometimes it helps to start off at an allowable level and then increase payments as income increases. Phased approaches let us focus on achievable goals while we plan for future updates.

TAKING ACTION

9) Collect Data

Engineers love data. Whether quantitative or qualitative, data is the core to developing solutions. It’s more than just numbers in a spreadsheet; data is the information we derive from researching and testing that tells us whether or not we’re succeeding. The more data you can collect, the more you can learn about both your problem and your potential solutions. For example, if you’re trying to lose weight, data like weight, calorie intake, body fat percentage, and exercise intensity can be measured to learn where to make the best changes. Data is key to accomplishing SMART goals.

10) Focus on Facts

While data is typically objective, other information doesn’t have to be. It is important to focus on the confirmed facts over speculation and opinion when solving a problem. This is just as crucial in performing biomedical research as it is in learning where to invest your savings. Look at the source of the information you’re getting and verify that their recommendations are based on fact.

11) Sketch/Model

Dry erase boards are our friends. Sketching, in any form, let’s us creatively illustrate ideas and form connections. Sometimes it helps to make a model of a potential solution, much like engineers build prototypes to test assumptions before plunging all of their funding into a full-build. If you invest all of your resources into a solution that doesn’t meet your requirements, you’ll waste all that effort. However, if you take the time to create a sample first, you can make changes as you go. Also, we are highly tangible beings. We better understand that which we can see and touch. So get to the drawing board, sketch to your heart’s content, and create samples until you find the right solution.

Drawing Board — Dry erase boards are always handy for quick sketches.

12) Experiment/Test

Engineers often view life as a giant experiment. We form hypothesis, create test beds, and experiment to see if our hypothesis are true. Experiment mentality works in the real world too however. There are dozens of weight loss strategies that have worked for different people, but in order to find the right one for you you’ll need to run a series of “tests” to determine which are the most effective. Try a strategy for a month, analyze the data collected, compare progress, and adjust as necessary or try a new strategy. Everything can become an experiment in optimization.

13) Run Trade Studies

Trade studies are used when engineers need to compare a series of potential solutions in order to determine which is best for the given problem. Unfortunately, this answer isn’t always east since we must always weigh competing constraints such as quality, cost, and schedule. Different decision matrices and trade study formats exist to help us make the best quantitative-based decisions (my favorite is AHP). At a basic level, make a chart and compare the features of each of your solutions against the requirements you defined at the beginning. Whichever meets your needs and provides the most advantages is your winner.

14) Create Checklists

From planning out items to research to implementing instructions for operating new technology, we thrive on checklists. They clear our heads and affirm that we’ve acknowledged all necessary actions. They are also handy for contingency plans should something go awry. Let’s say you’re trying to improve your family’s preparedness: you could create checklists for items to pack in an emergency, important family documents, and annual maintenance checks in your home.

15) Build Kits

“Kitting” is a practice used by engineers and other professions to assemble all of the materials you need to complete a project in advance and in one location. A kit for assembling a spacecraft door may include the frame, the hatch, and the installation bolts. A kit for going to the gym may include workout clothes, a towel, a water bottle, and extra sneakers. Create kits for as many of your daily routines as possible and you’ll be sure to improve your efficiency and pick up a few extra minutes in your day.

16) Develop Algorithms

Algorithms are essentially logic statements that can be as simple as “if this, then that”. By definition they are a series of step-by-step operations, and are frequently used in mathematics and engineering development. You can employ it too, however, by using them to create contingency plans. For example, if you miss a workout, you can put in an exercise DVD at home. If you leave your planner at home, you can type your three to dos in your phone. Algorithms can also be more complex, such as filing system flows like the GTD method.

17) Use the “5 Whys”

“5 Whys” is a concept used to determine the root cause of an issue. You start by asking yourself why something went wrong, and then keep asking yourself “why” until you’ve reached the true cause (and it doesn’t always take all five). Issue: birds leave a mess all over the Jefferson Memorial. Why? Because they sit on the memorial. Why? Because there are gnats in the area. Why? Because the lights are left on overnight. In this case, instead of focusing on the birds themselves, you can see that by turning off the lights, you’ll reduce both the gnats and the birds and thus the mess. When faced with an issue keep asking yourself questions until you’re satisfied you understand the root of the problem, and then address the root.

18) Organize with Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a set of tools used for process improvements across a wide array of industries. Engineers use the techniques to reduce defects in their products and improve efficiency. One of the simplest techniques is its focus on organization. The idea is to create labeled “parking lots” for every item you need to store, and then place those spots near their point of use. This can mean trays in desk drawers, cubby holes for shoes, or even foam shadow boxes for tools. Never waste time looking for anything again.

19) Optimize

Engineers love to optimize and improve everything. If it’s not broken, they’ll just take it apart and try to make it better. The same concept can be applied to most areas of our lives. Sometimes we feel discontented not because something is actually wrong, but because we want to experience more out of life. Perhaps certain tasks can be done more efficiently, or we want faster progress. Look for ways to make even small improvements over time.

20) Integrate Tasks

Engineers know that all knowledge areas of projects are interdependent: quality, cost, schedule, etc. The same is true for our regular lives. How we feel at work trickles down to how we act at home and thus how we relate with our families. When solving a problem, it is best to remember that everything interacts. This can be a major advantage however when you solve key problems. For example, learning to meal plan can lead you to cook more meals at home, reduce your grocery budget, and eat healthier.

OVERALL

21) Become a Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are the go-to people when you have questions on a subject, such as a computer program or mechanical system. When solving a problem or improving a process, you can learn to become the master of that problem. Then, when someone else faces that same issue down the line, you are equipped to pass down your knowledge and help them.

22) Document Everything

Documentation is key. Notes, sketches, brainstorming sessions, draft copies, samples, and data are all items that you should keep on hand while working towards your goals and save for future reference once you’ve solved your problem. This way, if you’re ever faced with a similar issue or you’re looking to improve your solution, you will remember your original thought process.

23) Validate against Requirements

Once you think you’ve found your solution, you need to check to see if it really meets your original requirements. Engineers do this through full-scale testing, dress rehearsals, and reviews. Take a look at what you wrote down initially for your project and compare it to what you’ve come up with. If it doesn’t meet your requirements, either check them for feasibility or keep working at it.

24) Question Everything

One of the identifying signs of an engineer is their habit of questioning everything. Questioning leads you to test assumptions, challenge existing norms, and gain deeper understanding of life. One of the greatest joys is in starting down a research path based on a single questions and seeing where it leads you. The search is a thrill in and of itself.

25) Always Keep Learning

Whether it seems things are going great for you or perhaps not as well as you’d like, always keep learning. There are always new skills to develop, new books to read, and new concepts to comprehend. We advance as a civilization on the shoulders of those who are in constant pursuit of knowledge. Be one of those giants, and always keep learning.

I hope this list of tools, methods, and techniques will give you some new ideas to “engineer” your life. If you’d like to know more about any of these methods, please comment below or email me at contact@loveoflists.com.

10 Lessons to Learn from Princess Stories

February 21, 2015 by jlmdiscovery

I’ve read articles arguing both sides of the “Princess Debate”: whether or not it is healthy for young girls to be exposed to the world of pink and sparkly when there is such a push for equal opportunities and independence. While I agree that several of the traditional concepts of princesses can have a seemingly detrimental effect in contrast to encouraging gender-neutral interests, I can say that I grew up with princess stories and still ended up an engineer.

In retrospect, I’m actually glad I got to enjoy those movies and novels. I still enjoy them. Sometimes I think it’s possible to push too far when aiming for equality in that we can start to villainize any healthy feminine interests. People are multi-faceted. Even princess stories, if presented from the right perspective, can be learning devices to teach us about qualities and morals that will benefit us throughout our lives. Here are 10 values that I learned about:

1) Kindness

Even the most dependent of the storybook princesses knew to be kind to everyone. They were surrounded with supportive friends, doting parents, and affectionate animals because they continuously demonstrated kindness and friendliness in return. The quality is almost universal to the idea of a princess, and as such is inherent to their nature. In Snow White, the dwarves and forest animals are won over by Snow’s gentleness. In Cinderella, Ella remains polite with her stepmother even when she does not reciprocate. In Beauty and the Beast, Belle shows genuine compassion for the Beast and the residents of the cursed castle. Such kindness, whether to family or strangers, is a trait to be emulated by all.

2) Charity

While I remember the riches and elaborate dresses, I also remember princesses who saw themselves as shepherds of charity. They offered whatever they could if they encountered someone in a less-fortunate situation, and were always happy to offer help and support where needed. In A Little Princess, Sara, a wealthy student, befriends Becky, a servant, and gifts her a pair of fine shoes when she learns that she has none. In Enchanted, Giselle takes the opportunity to clean Robert’s entire house in gratitude for a place to sleep, and then aids him in planning a romantic gesture for his fiancé. In the Princess Diaries II, Mia surprises a group of orphaned children with a walk in a parade and then works to establish a new home for them. Large or small, these gestures demonstrated charity and thought beyond self.

3) Dignity

Princess stories were the first to teach me about the importance of image and dignity. The princesses I remember tried to be poised, composed, and cool under pressure in efforts to emulate their queens and mothers. Now, in almost all of the stories these efforts go awry, but it did demonstrate that there is a sense of dignity and honor tied to the role of a royal. While we can’t and don’t need to be “perfect”, it is our goal to project confidence, morality, and self-control when acting in an official or professional capacity. I picture Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday and My Fair Lady and Queen Clarice in The Princess Diaries series.

4) Duty

Most of the princesses are young, so they’re either not given too much responsibility yet or they’re amidst the transition to young adulthood. However, the theme is that as they grow they will be expected take on more responsibility for their country and for their families. This is just as we all face that transition into a sense of duty for our adult lives. Many of the characters from these stories provide excellent examples of duty. Mulan sneaks into the Chinese army to defend her country and protect her aging father. Elsa, from Frozen, risks exposing her powers to ascend her father’s throne. Sara, from A Little Princess, continues to read to the students of her school even after she is separated from them. Even Mia, who is thrust into the life of a princess, grows to love Genovia and views it as her mission to succeed the family line and support her new lands.

5) Leadership

Growing princesses learn to be leaders, not just from their parents but from friends and role models. They desire to preside over nations and support causes. They aim to become queens. Characters such as Queen Mary of Scots (Reign), Queen Catherine of Aragon (The Constant Princess), and Queen Clarice (The Princess Diaries) demonstrate decisiveness and fairness in their rules, and pass those qualities down to their families and friends. I expect that if/when a Frozen sequel is released it will show Elsa’s new rule over Arendelle as well.

6) Etiquette

Princesses are taught to be polite and employ all acceptable social graces. They know how to greet people, how to dine properly, and how to dress appropriately. Once again we have Mia and Eliza Doolittle, who are both provided countless etiquette lessons. While the term “etiquette” may seem archaic in today’s world, it really comes down to good manners and in some cases makes social interactions much simpler (ex. addressing wedding invitations). There is nothing wrong with being polite, and the rules of etiquette give people a standard to go by.

7) History

Some of my favorite princess stories were fictionalized accounts of real-life people: Catherine of Aragon, Elizabeth I, Pocahontas, Marie Antoinette, Anastasia, etc. There were movies, novels, and diaries depicting young princesses handling both historical dramas and standard teenage life. Not only did they provide the same examples as the other princesses on this list, but they inspired me to learn more about their time periods and counterparts. I would read the novels and go to the library to find non-fiction books about the castles, wars, and empires that they lived through. Even in the case of Disney princesses I was motivated to search out the original fairy tales and learn about the authors. My exposure to these stories as a child gave me a foundation for my future interests.

8) Piety

There are several princesses and heroines that demonstrated piety and spirituality in high regard. Pocahontas and Mulan reflected their religions in how they approached challenges, turning to their faiths to build resolve. In The Constant Princess and other novelized accounts, Catherine of Aragon is committed to God in her vocation as a wife and queen. In nearly all depictions she is represented as a truly pious woman, devoted to prayer and almsgiving. This image of someone so mighty as a princess or queen submitting to faith for strength was a powerful one for me.

9) Beauty

While all of the princesses in the stories were complimented on their beauty, what I gained from these tales was an appreciation for the beautiful things in life. Nature, architecture, and craftsmanship feature greatly in their kingdoms. There is nothing wrong with enjoying such fine items and comforts so long as they are not valued to the point of materialism. Snow White, Aurora, and Pocahontas loved to explore and experience nature. Belle was gifted an exquisite library that any reader would dream of. Giselle had a passion for gorgeous dresses and turned it into a career. Admiring and cherishing beauty allows us to reflect on what we have been given on this earth.

10) Imagination

Most of us don’t have a castle or carriages or an army of servants to take care of us. But one of the lessons I learned from A Little Princess was that we are all gifted with a powerful imagination. We can visualize our world as anything we’d like it to be. And when that vision becomes a goal, and then a plan, we move towards creating that world for ourselves physically. In Sara’s case she imagined herself a princess surrounded by fine treats. In yours maybe you’d like to be an artist near a beach. The what doesn’t matter as long as you’re experiencing it and working towards it. Our imaginations and creativity are two of the most impressive resources we have.

When I thought of princesses as a child, I pictured women who didn’t have to worry about schedule or chores and instead were free to focus on charity and making their voices heard. So I think the princess issue comes down to a matter of perspective: if you are able to highlight the right lessons these stories can be great tools for learning. They become even more useful if you supplement them with real-life historical examples and other non-royal role models. Instead of fighting the inevitable pink phase, employ it as a building block for new interests. It will be what you make of it.

Here are some suggestions for princess-related (or similar) novels and films. If you have any you’d like to add to this list, please leave them in the comment section!

A Little Princess, Francis Hodgson Burnett
The Princess Diaries series, Meg Cabot
Royal Diaries: Elizabeth I
The Constant Princess*
Anne of Green Gables
The Secret Garden
The Prince & Me
Disney Princess collection
Anastasia
Enchanted
The Princess Bride

*Young adult novel

Why 12 Resolutions are Better than 1

February 13, 2015 by jlmdiscovery

Did you set a New Year’s Resolution this year? An estimated 45% of Americans do, according to a University of Scranton study. Yet only 8% are likely to achieve their goal by December 31^st. How is your progress towards your resolution this year? Are you still trucking, or did you choose to celebrate “National Drop Your New Year’s Resolution Day” on January 17^th? Have you achieved your resolutions in the past? If you’re among the majority struggling to meet your NYR, fear not! I have a new strategy for you, and you can start it right now.

I’ve spent some time discerning the reasons that I’ve failed to meet my own goals in the past, and I’d bet you’ve experienced some of the same:

I set a REALLY vague goal (ex. save money)
I set goals because I thought they were the “right” ones to set (ex. lose weight)
I didn’t know where to start or how to accomplish it
I procrastinated because I had a whole year to work at it
I caved to immediate gratification (ex. “I’ll just work off the pizza later…”)
I got discouraged because I saw no progress

As to the first three issues, take a look at the top five most popular resolutions (do any look familiar?):

Lose weight
Get organized
Spend less/save more
Enjoy life to the fullest
Stay fit and healthy

None of these can be considered “SMART” goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. These qualities add the necessary definition to your goal. Without it, you’ll never know if you’re truly successful or how to go about it. For example, instead of “lose weight” state “Run for 30 minutes 3x/week to improve my health and lose 20lbs by Dec 31^st”. On top of that, if your only reason for setting the goal is because you think you should set it, you’ll have no motivation when you reach an obstacle. You need to know WHY you want to reach your goal; purpose is what will keep pushing you forward. Don’t set someone else’s goal – set one that will improve your life and make you happier.

While it’s easy to find resources on SMART goals and purpose, we’re still faced with a bigger issue: a year is too long. A year is full of distractions and procrastination. We need to change our perspective on resolutions: instead of setting one large goal, break it up into 12 smaller ones. If we alter our perspective to include 12 “milestones” (one per month), then the deadline is always within our sights instead of being 365 days away. The best part? You get a new start each and every month.

Here’s how to do it (and stick to it):

Decide your SMART goal and why you want to achieve it

Think: Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Ex. “I want to save $5,000 for a down payment on a car by December 31^st”

Choose your strategy

How you are going to do it: before you jump into your goal, do some research and create an action plan containing all of your resources/tools and steps you can take to make progress. Ex. weight loss: nutrition plan, gym/home workouts, health/fitness blogs.

Break up your goal into 12 action steps

Set yourself an achievable goal for each month that will bring your closer to your overall goal. Your goals can be as small or large as you want, so long as they are achievable and will add up to your total objective. Choices: Divide your overall goal by 12 or determine 12 actions you can take to reach it. Ex. Health: lose 8lb/month by swapping fast food for home-cooked meals and lifting weights 3x/week. Ex. Career: Jan – Research openings at 5 companies, Feb – Write 5 cover letters, Mar – Attend 2 networking events, etc.

Decide how you’ll track your progress

It’s crucial to map your progress, even on the “bad” months. When and how you measure it is up to you. Just set reminders and don’t forget to write it down. Ex. start of the month, end of the month, weekly; via journal, app, chart.

Assign rewards for progress at each milestone (optional)

If you think it’ll help motivate you, setup a reward for each month you reach your milestone goal. However, be sure not to choose a reward that detracts from your progress (i.e. no chocolate cake for losing your 8lbs). Even better, assign rewards that motivate you towards your goal. Ex. new workout gear, a new book, a massage.

Decide how you’ll get back on track if you slip

Have a plan to deal with cravings, procrastination, or distractions. This way, when the going gets tough you’ll be better prepared to handle it and get back on course. Ex. If I don’t have time to get to the gym, I’ll do a workout video at home or go for a walk around the neighborhood. If I splurge on a donut at work, I’ll add an extra workout over the weekend.

Assess your support system

While vague resolutions are at the top of reasons why we fail, having a good support system is the #1 reason people can succeed. Sharing your trials and successes with others not only holds you accountable, but it reminds you that others are rooting for you to succeed too. Ex. family, friends, social media, blogs.

Get started!

Here are a few last important tips for you:

This is an iterative process – each month, evaluate your progress and decide what worked and what didn’t. Change it or improve it for the next month.
Don’t be discouraged – if you don’t meet your goal one month, don’t try to overcompensate and don’t lose hope. For example, my friend bases her next goal on the progress from the month before (if she only loses 6lbs in one month, her goal is 8lb less than that the next month). It’s better to keep making some progress than to give up after pushing yourself too hard.
Don’t set too many goals at once – we have limited will power and are easily distracted. Set one main goal and divide it up into your milestones.
Set your own milestones – if a month-long milestone is still too much, try bi-weekly.
Don’t let yourself get bored – change up your strategy to keep you on your toes (ex. new workouts).
Don’t give up! – you get a new start every month, and every day.

Remember: we never would have reached the Moon if no one had put action steps and milestones to Kennedy’s words.

It’s not too late to restart or set your resolution for the year. If you’ve got one to share, please post below and tell me about any strategies that have worked for you. I’d love to hear them!

Welcome!

February 12, 2015 by jlmdiscovery

Welcome to my new site, For the Love of Lists, and thank you for visiting. I’m looking forward to writing about a variety of topics, all of which can be found in the category menu above. If you’re a fan of lists as much as I am (and the Internet is full of them, so you probably are), then read on!

5 Facts You Should Know About Me:

I love to write lists and collect information: to brainstorm, to find a next step, or even just to kill time.
I am an aerospace engineer: by nature I am a space & STEM advocate, I love to solve problems and improve efficiency, and I strive for continuous learning.
I love to read: I have a library of more than 1,500 books at my disposal, and if given the time I’d try to read every one of them.
I work to keep myself inspired: quotes, pictures, role models, challenges, and anything to remind me of my goals in life.
I am still figuring things out: as a recent college graduate and a new wife, I am at the start of my adult life. What you see here is me learning as I go.

So why lists? For me, lists are how I’ve always processed information. Rather than telling you about all of the scientific reasons you’re designed to love lists, I suggest you check out these two articles that explain it wonderfully:

A List of Reasons Why Our Brains Love Lists (The New Yorker)
10 Reasons Why We Love Making Lists (NPR)

Once again, thank you for visiting. I hope to post at least once a week (more when time allows). Subscribe to the email list to stay up to date on any new additions. Happy listing!

Jessica