Things I have to be better at…

I’ve done way too many stupid things. Just 10 minutes ago, I realized I did something stupid again. I am currently so annoyed at myself that I cannot possibly focus on the paper that I have to read for tomorrow. So, I will write down my fatal flaws as a constant reminder for myself.

1. Be more careful

This problem has been with me since I was a kid. I got a lot more careful with things, especially in doing arithmetic, but I have to be more careful on other things. Think a few steps ahead! I submitted a project for a course at the supposed deadline, expecting feedback from the professor. However, I never got the feedback (this will bring us to the second point). I should have sat down and just proof read the text again, not realizing that the version I initially submitted was really rough. I should have 1) proof read it more carefully the first time even though it was meant to be a draft, and 2) proof read it carefully the second time knowing that I submitted a draft. Now, I just messed up on the final project of a course I cared about a lot. Be more aware of the current circumstances, and be more careful in dealing with it. Don’t be lazy.

2. Don’t be afraid to bother others

I didn’t want to bother my dad to wake up early. It turned out that I set my alarm to the wrong time, and I ended up missing course registration. It could have been avoided if I followed #1 and if I was willing to take my dad’s offer to be safe. Now, I’m at risk of not being able to graduate in time (in 3 yeras, that is) because of the missing courses. I didn’t want to bother my professor to give me feedback because I know that he’s really busy. When things matter and it is reasonable to be asking for help, do it! Unless I know for a fact that #1 is being followed exactly, make the safe decision. On the other hand, if I don’t want something, say no.

3. Learn to ask questions

I don’t know everything. In fact, I know barely anything. So, just ask! But aside from the dumb questions, learn to think critically, and ask good questions. In computational neuroscience, I was asked to do this a lot after reading articles and the textbook. I realized that I’m really bad at this. Try to find what I don’t know. This is true for self-studying, too. Find what’s unknown – pin it down exactly – and go find the answer rather than wondering around pointlessly.

OK… I feel much better now. Back to work!

05.18.2021