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7 Productivity Hacks I Stole From a Principal Software Engineer
Golden tips and tricks that can make you unstoppable
Have you ever crossed paths with a senior or principal software engineer whose work style seems almost magical?
Imagine someone who effortlessly transforms complex challenges into elegant solutions with just a click, brainstorms ideas at lightning speed, or writes code as if their mind is seamlessly integrated with an intelligent assistant.
Witnessing such mastery in action can be inspiring and enlightening, revealing the secrets behind their exceptional performance. Discover what makes these top-tier engineers stand out and how you can harness their techniques to elevate your career.
I was lucky to work alongside a few such great people, and I did not miss the golden opportunity to observe and figure out their secret sauce. Believe me, it was like a masterclass in productivity.
Here are the seven hacks I learnt from the ones who operate on a whole different level:
1. The Art of Saying No
One of their biggest strengths? Context switching with purpose.
They don’t get sucked into every little task. They know when to focus, when to shift gears, and, most importantly, when to say “no.”
With 13 Slack channels buzzing for their attention, they don’t let the noise dictate their day. Instead, they prioritize like pros.
When something doesn’t need immediate attention, it goes on their to-do list. But if it’s quick and important, they knock it out right then and there.
It’s all about choosing when to engage and when to move on.
