Starting my #66DaysofData Journey 

Tags: devjournal
Published: 2021-01-31 04:59:40


At the beginning of the year, I stumbled upon the hashtag #66DaysofData on Twitter. After doing some investigation it's the same concept as #100DaysofCode but a couple of days shorter. The goal of 66 Days of Data is to make learning about data science a habit. How long you study each day is up to you. But the minimum time limit for the challenge is 5 minutes. 
I attempted #100DaysofCode many times. (6 times but whose counting) The longest streak I have gotten is 21 days. So, I'm going to learn from the past in order to succeed with this challenge.

- Make a Plan
- Set small benchmarks
- Work on mini projects.
- Teach concepts to others
- Positive mindset

##Make A Plan and ##Set small benchmarks

Whenever I attempted to do 100 days of code I had no clear vision of what I wanted to accomplish. When I tried to sit down and code for 1 hour I had no clear anchor holding me to this commitment. The longest streak that I had which was 21 days is when I focused on learning only one thing. I focused on learning D3.js framework. It was a clear and small enough goal that I did not feel overwhelmed and I automatically knew what steps I needed to take to accomplish this one goal.

When you go to the grocery store with a list you are less likely to wander around. The same concept can be applied to coding challenges. Have a list of things you want to accomplish keeps you grounded.

#Work on mini projects

I am a project-based learner. At the beginning of my tech journey, I use to watch a lot of code alongs and online courses. When I try to do a project on my own I would become completely lost on what to do. In order to get better with technical skills, I have to try them out in the wild.
 It like someone who wants to become a basketball player and all they do is read books on how to play the game but never attempted to shoot a ball. A great way to learn is by doing. During the challenge, I will use the skills that I learn to explore datasets from the [tidy tuesday](https://github.com/rfordatascience/tidytuesday) Github repo.

#Teach concepts to others

There are several benefits to teach others. Teaching others helps solidify concepts. It also helps you become a better communicator. I learn from life the more you put yourself out there and give to others. That energy will return to you.
 
#Positive mindset

Learning a new skill is uncomfortable. Whether you are learning how callbacks work in Javascript, joining two tables in SQL, or learning how to play the F chord on a guitar. Learning is awkward and painful at times but having a positive mindset makes it slightly less uncomfortable.
Negative thoughts are powerful. When you tell yourself "That I am not good at this." You will find evidence that this is true. This is creating more resistance, keeping away from your goal. Even if you do not believe in the power of positive thinking. Try not to talk down to yourself. Instead of saying "I am bad at this" Try saying " I will get better." Your mind will find ways to find evidence.

If you want to learn more about 66 days of data check out Ken Jee Youtube video [What is the #66DaysofData](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV_AlRwhI3I). 

If you want an example of a self-learning plan check out [Sophia Li's (OKR)](https://github.com/sophi-li/OKRs-self-learning).