Kenrick Vaz

Small Gestures, Big Impact

What makes your day beautiful? What do you think about when you go to bed at night? Do you smile looking back at something that happened during the day? It might be a small thing, and that’s where the beauty lies.

Every day we get dozens of chances to demonstrate style and class one small gesture at a time—from being friendly at work, to yielding for another car in traffic, to showing gratitude to someone who helped us. A kind look can brighten someone’s day. A hug can bring warmth and strength. It’s these little things that help people feel loved and happy—that empower them to change, to move on, to believe. They’re the things that get noticed, that make a difference, that matter most.

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.
Oscar Wilde

When there are days when nothing seems right and everything seems messy. The work, the relationships, the mind — everything seems difficult and hard. On these days, you need to bring in the things that would require no effort to give you some strength to go through these days.

The magic of starting to focus on these little things is that you will gradually shift your thoughts from what is missing in your life to what is there. It will create a little positive loop in your brain feeding you with motivation and energy. You will start to create your own happiness bit by bit. And you can then make a difference to your near and dear ones when they are in similar situations.

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
Dalai Lama

Small gestures—whether signage or speech, body language or handwritten messages—can send big signals about who we are, what we care about, and why we do what we do. Even (maybe especially) in this age of digital disruption and creative destruction, never underestimate the power of a small gesture. Don’t let technology overwhelm your humanity.

So go ahead. Write a note. Answer that email. Look someone in the eye. Call that person back. Lend a hand, an ear, a shoulder. Be a big fan of little gestures, and others will be a big fan of yours.

Here’s a lovely story that touched me a few years back

Once upon a time, a person was migrating to a new town and was unsure if he would enjoy it, so he went to a zen master and asked: “Do you believe I’ll be able to love it in this hamlet? Is everyone friendly?”

The master responded with a question. “How did the folks in the town where you grew up treat you?” “They were obnoxious and selfish, enraged, and lived for deception and theft,” said the man. “Those are exactly the types of folks we have in this village,” the master explained.

Another visitor to the community asked the same question a day later, to which the master replied, “How were the people in the town where you came from?”

The visitor replied, “They were kind and lived in harmony, and they looked out for each other. For the land, they respected one another and were seekers of spirit.” “Well, that’s exactly the type of folks we’ve had in this community,” the master explained.

Moral of the Story

Whatever you see in the world, the world sees in you. If you only see the nasty and selfish side of people, that is what they will see in you. So be nice to the world, and the world will be good to you. If you treat the planet well, the world will treat you well.

Figma’s Dev Mode: Bringing Designers & Developers Together

Figma’s Config conference is on at California and there have been some pretty cool and much needed announcements! According to the company, the mission of this year’s Config is to bridge the gap between design and development.

During the opening keynote, Figma announced a bunch of new tools and features, all geared towards its mission of “making design accessible to all”. Chief among them is a brand new developer mode, intended to finally bridge the gap between designers and developers. I was very surprised to hear that one third of Figma users identify as a developer, but the experience has until now been tailored for designers.

Dev Mode is a new space in Figma that makes it faster and easier to move from design to development. Designers can tag a project ’Ready for Dev‘, and developers can get the information they need and eliminating the need for version updates and extra communication. While the Figma canvas is great for freeform design exploration, it can be confusing if you’re dropped into a design file that’s missing information needed for implementation. Dev Mode is like a browser inspector for your design file, and it brings design concepts—pixels, layers, and groups—closer to developer concepts like code, icons, and tokens.

One of the features that I absolutely love is the ability to compare versions of the screen/asset. Checkout the Dev Mode teaser below

Variables

Variables is Figma’s own take on design tokens, one of the most long-requested features. Figma is introducing variables to enable teams to streamline the process of creating and maintaining multiple brands, devices, and themes. Variables make design testing, iteration, and validation more efficient so designers can shave hours off their workflow. Figma is the only tool with both theming and support for design tokens (single sources of truth that designers and developers can reference to consistently apply UI elements like colour, sizing, and more).

Here is a more detailed walkthrough of Dev Mode, Variables:

Ultimately, Figma’s development mode and variables represent a step forward in creating a more efficient, collaborative, and enjoyable workflow for both developers and designers. The seamless integration of design and development allows for a smoother handoff, reduces errors, and enhances productivity. By leveraging these features, we can dedicate more time to innovation, problem-solving, and pushing the boundaries of design and development.

I can’t wait to work closely with our Design Studio on these new features! The future of collaboration between developers and designers is brighter than ever before. :)

Your Mindset Can Make Or Break You

The human mind possesses an incredible power, capable of shaping the course of our lives. It is not the external circumstances that determine our success or failure, but rather the mindset we adopt in the face of challenges. A positive and determined mindset can propel us to great heights, while a negative and defeatist mindset can hold us back and hinder our progress.

A mindset is the lens through which we interpret and respond to the world around us. It is the collection of beliefs, attitudes, and thoughts that shape our perception of ourselves and our capabilities. Our mindset influences our actions, decisions, and ultimately, our outcomes.

When faced with obstacles and setbacks, those with a growth mindset see them as opportunities for growth and learning. They embrace challenges, view failures as stepping stones to success, and persist in the face of adversity. Their mindset is one of resilience and determination, enabling them to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.

On the other hand, individuals with a fixed mindset perceive challenges as threats to their abilities and self-worth. They fear failure, avoid taking risks, and quickly give up when faced with difficulties. Their mindset is one of limitation, constraining their potential and hindering their progress.

To harness the power of mindset, we must cultivate self-awareness and consciously choose empowering beliefs. We can challenge negative thoughts, reframe setbacks as learning experiences, and surround ourselves with positive influences. By adopting a growth mindset, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, constantly seeking improvement and embracing the journey of personal development.

In conclusion, our mindset is a powerful force that can make or break us. It shapes our thoughts, actions, and outcomes, influencing our success and happiness. By cultivating a positive and growth-oriented mindset, we unlock our potential, overcome obstacles, and create a life filled with fulfillment and achievement. Remember, your mindset is the key to unlocking your true potential.

I thought I’d ask ChatGPT to write a poem on this topic and here is what it gave me! :)

In the realm of achievement, the power of the mind is profound,
For within its realms, possibilities and limitations are found.
A mindset, a perspective, a lens through which we view,
Has the potential to shape our destiny, whether false or true.

When faced with trials and challenges that test our strength,
It is our mindset that determines how far we will go, the length.
A mindset of resilience, of determination and belief,
Can conquer any obstacle, bring forth triumphs, and relief.

But a mindset plagued by doubt, by fear and self-doubt,
Can paralyze us, hold us back, and leave us without.
It traps us in a prison of our own creation,
Where potential remains dormant, an unfulfilled sensation.

For it is not the circumstances that solely dictate our fate,
But the way we perceive and respond, whether early or late.
A growth mindset, one of learning and adaptability,
Opens doors, fuels progress, and enhances our ability.

Embrace challenges as opportunities, not as threats,
A mindset of possibility, where success begets.
See failure as a stepping stone, a lesson to be learned,
A mindset of resilience, where bridges can be earned.

Believe in yourself, in your talents and your worth,
A mindset of self-confidence, your true potential’s birth.
Surround yourself with positivity and inspiration,
A mindset of abundance, fueling your aspirations.

So, remember, dear friend, the power that lies within,
Your mindset can make or break you, a truth that’s never been,
Choose wisely how you perceive, how you think and believe,
For your mindset shapes your reality, the life you can achieve.

The Three C’s in the Life of Steve Jobs: Choice, Chance, and Change

Life is an unpredictable journey filled with opportunities, obstacles, and moments that shape our existence. Within this intricate tapestry of existence, there are three powerful forces that often intertwine to define our experiences: choice, chance, and change. These three C’s hold the key to understanding the essence of life itself.

The life of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., serves as a compelling testament to the power of choice, chance, and change. From his humble beginnings to revolutionizing the technology industry, Jobs exemplified how these three elements can shape the destiny of a person. This essay delves into the remarkable journey of Steve Jobs, highlighting his pivotal choices, chance encounters, and transformative changes that propelled him to become a legendary figure.

Choice
In his early years, Steve Jobs faced a crucial choice that would set the trajectory for his life. He decided to drop out of college, a decision that defied societal expectations. Instead, he followed his passion for technology and design, choosing to explore his entrepreneurial spirit. This bold choice laid the foundation for his later achievements, enabling him to fully immerse himself in creating innovative products that would reshape the world.

Chance
A serendipitous event forever altered the course of Jobs’ life. During his time at the Homebrew Computer Club, he had a chance encounter with Steve Wozniak, a fellow technology enthusiast and brilliant engineer. Their shared vision and complementary skill sets formed a profound partnership, leading them to co-found Apple Inc. This chance meeting was a pivotal moment that ignited a revolution in the technology industry.

Change
The hallmark of Steve Jobs’ legacy lies in his unwavering pursuit of change. Despite initial success with Apple, he faced setbacks and even departure from the company he co-founded. However, Jobs embraced these changes as opportunities for growth. His time away from Apple allowed him to explore new ventures and develop a fresh perspective on innovation.

Years later, through a series of transformative changes, Steve Jobs returned to Apple and spearheaded a remarkable resurgence. He introduced groundbreaking products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, which transformed entire industries and revolutionized the way we communicate, consume media, and interact with technology. Jobs’ ability to adapt to change, reimagine possibilities, and infuse his creations with a relentless pursuit of excellence solidified his position as one of the greatest visionaries of our time.

The life of Steve Jobs serves as a true embodiment of the three C’s: choice, chance, and change. His daring choices, such as dropping out of college and pursuing his passion, laid the foundation for his groundbreaking achievements. Chance encounters, most notably his meeting with Steve Wozniak, propelled him into co-founding Apple Inc., reshaping the tech industry forever. Furthermore, Jobs’ embrace of change, even during times of adversity, led to transformative shifts that cemented his legacy.

Steve Jobs’ story inspires us to reflect on our own lives and the significance of the three C’s. By recognizing the power of our choices, remaining open to chance encounters, and embracing change as a catalyst for growth, we can unlock our full potential and leave an indelible mark on the world. Steve Jobs reminds us that greatness is attainable when we have the courage to make bold choices, seize opportunities, and adapt to the winds of change.

Stack Overflow Developer 2023 Survey: React Still King

The field of software development is constantly evolving, driven by advancements in technology, emerging programming languages, and shifting industry trends. To gain insights into the current state of the developer community and better understand their preferences, practices, and perspectives, Stack Overflow conducts an annual survey known as the “Stack Overflow Developer Survey.” This comprehensive survey serves as a valuable resource, providing a wealth of data that sheds light on the experiences and opinions of developers worldwide.

In May 2023 over 90,000 developers responded to Stack Overflow’s annual survey about how they learn and level up, which tools they’re using, and which ones they want. Web frameworks usage dropped overall by about 10%, while plans for specific frameworks increased by roughly 15%

Svelte, Next.js and Deno all saw an increase in adoption in 2023, while React, Vue.js and Angular all saw significant decreases in use. Despite the usage hit, React remains the most popular web framework with 40.6% overall reported usage this year.

There were also big drops in frameworks often used for mobile apps, such as React Native, which was down 33%, and Flutter, down 27%.

2023 continues JavaScript’s streak as its eleventh year in a row as the most commonly-used programming language. Python has overtaken SQL as the third most commonly-used language.

Node.js and React.js are the two most common web technologies used by all respondents. jQuery and Express are the next two popular web technologies for all respondents.

Next.js moved from 11th place in 2022 to 6th this year, likely driven by its popularity with those learning to code.

Developers are naturally curious and interested in new technologies. More jQuery users want to use Node.js or React next year rather than jQuery.

You can see more interesting stats across cloud, databases, programming languages here https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2023

The Stack Overflow Developer Survey stands as a powerful resource that provides a comprehensive understanding of the developer community. Through its global reach, diverse range of topics, and valuable insights, the survey benefits individual developers, employers, and the broader technology industry. By shedding light on emerging trends, preferences, and industry benchmarks, the survey empowers developers to make informed decisions, helps employers adapt their strategies, and contributes to the continued growth and advancement of the software development field.

An incomplete list of skills engineers need beyond coding

Over the weekend I came across The Manager’s Path, written by Camille Fournier, through Addy Osmani’s post on LinkedIn. This is a valuable resource for both new and experienced managers seeking guidance and insights on navigating the challenging world of management. Fournier, a former CTO, draws from her own experiences and provides a comprehensive roadmap for individuals transitioning into managerial roles and those already in leadership positions.

One of the key strengths of The Manager’s Path is its holistic approach to management. Fournier takes into account the different stages of a manager’s career, starting from an individual contributor and progressing to technical lead, manager, director, and ultimately executive roles. By doing so, she acknowledges the unique challenges and skill sets required at each level, helping readers understand the transitions they will face and providing practical advice for success.

The book also delves into the various aspects of management, covering topics such as building and leading teams, effective communication, and managing stakeholders. Fournier emphasizes the importance of developing a management style that aligns with one’s values while remaining adaptable to different situations. She provides real-life examples and case studies to illustrate her points, making the content relatable and actionable.

One aspect that sets The Manager’s Path apart is Fournier’s focus on technical leadership. As a former CTO, she understands the dynamics of managing technical teams and addresses the unique challenges faced by managers in technical roles. She discusses the delicate balance between maintaining technical expertise and transitioning into a leadership role, offering practical tips on how to handle this transition successfully.

Furthermore, Fournier emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and personal growth as a manager. She encourages managers to seek feedback, invest in their own development, and build supportive networks. The book provides resources and recommendations for further reading, ensuring that readers have access to a wealth of knowledge beyond the pages of this book.

In conclusion, The Manager’s Path by Camille Fournier is a must-read for anyone aspiring to or currently in a managerial role. Fournier’s comprehensive approach, coupled with her practical insights and relatable examples, makes this book an invaluable guide for navigating the complexities of management. Whether you are a new manager or an experienced one looking to enhance your skills, this book offers a wealth of wisdom to help you thrive in your role.

Here are the 20 points I loved most from the book!

How to run a meeting, and no, being the person who talks the most in the meeting is not the same thing as running it
How to write a design doc, take feedback, and drive it to resolution, in a reasonable period of time
How to mentor an early-career teammate, a mid-career engineer, a new manager who needs technical advice
How to indulge a senior manager who wants to talk about technical stuff that they don’t really understand, without rolling your eyes or making them feel stupid
How to explain a technical concept behind closed doors to a senior person too embarrassed to openly admit that they don’t understand it
How to get another engineer to do something for you by asking for help in a way that makes them feel appreciated
How to get other engineers to listen to your ideas without making them feel threatened
How to listen to other engineers’ ideas without feeling threatened
How to give up your baby, that project that you built into something great, so you can do something else
How to teach another engineer to care about that thing you really care about (operations, correctness, testing, code quality, performance, simplicity, etc)
How to communicate project status to stakeholders
How to convince management that they need to invest in a non-trivial technical project
How to build software while delivering incremental value in the process
How to craft a project proposal, socialize it, and get buy-in to execute it
How to repeat yourself enough that people start to listen
How to pick your battles
How to help someone get promoted
How to find interesting work on your own, instead of waiting for someone to bring it to you
How to tell someone they’re wrong without making them feel ashamed
How to take negative feedback gracefully

Radiant Resilience: Shining Bright Despite Intimidation

In our journey through life, we encounter various individuals who may feel intimidated by our presence, accomplishments, or unique qualities. This intimidation can stem from a range of reasons, such as envy, insecurity, or fear of being overshadowed. However, it is essential to recognize that we have the power to rise above these challenges and continue shining brightly. How do we shine even when others are intimidated by us? Here are a few things that can help us maintain our radiance in the face of adversity.

Self-Confidence
Self-confidence is the cornerstone of radiance and resilience. When others are intimidated by us, it often indicates that they recognize our strength, achievements, or potential. By cultivating self-confidence, we can acknowledge our worth and embrace our abilities without arrogance. Genuine self-assurance allows us to maintain our inner light, regardless of others’ reactions, and empowers us to navigate through intimidation with grace and poise.

Authenticity
Embracing our true selves is a powerful way to shine amidst intimidation. Remaining authentic in our words, actions, and choices enables us to connect with others on a genuine level, even if it unsettles them. Authenticity radiates from within, and when we stand firm in our beliefs and values, we inspire others to do the same. By refusing to dim our light to accommodate others’ discomfort, we foster an environment of acceptance and encourage others to embrace their own uniqueness.

Empathy and Kindness
While some people may respond to intimidation with defensiveness or aggression, choosing empathy and kindness can lead to a more constructive outcome. Recognizing that intimidation often arises from others’ insecurities or struggles allows us to respond with understanding rather than retaliation. By approaching the situation with empathy, we can help alleviate their fears and create an environment of support and compassion. Our ability to be kind despite intimidation showcases our inner strength and emotional maturity, thereby reinforcing our radiant spirit.

Focus on Personal Growth
When faced with intimidation, it is crucial to shift our focus from others’ reactions to our own personal growth. Rather than allowing intimidation to undermine our confidence, we can view it as an opportunity to further develop our skills and abilities. By dedicating ourselves to self-improvement, we continue to refine our talents and expand our knowledge, contributing to our shining aura. This growth-oriented mindset allows us to transcend the negativity of intimidation and transform it into motivation.

Surrounding Ourselves with Support
No one can shine brightly in isolation. Cultivating a supportive network of friends, mentors, and loved ones provides a solid foundation for us to overcome intimidation. Surrounding ourselves with people who celebrate our achievements, uplift us during challenging times, and provide constructive feedback is essential. Their encouragement and guidance bolster our resilience and help us maintain our radiance, even in the face of intimidation.

Intimidation may be an inevitable part of life, but our response to it determines whether we continue to shine or allow ourselves to be diminished. By nurturing self-confidence, embracing authenticity, practicing empathy and kindness, focusing on personal growth, and surrounding ourselves with supportive individuals, we can maintain our radiance. Let us remember that our light is not diminished by others’ discomfort but instead serves as a beacon of inspiration for those who are yet to embrace their own brilliance. By shining brightly, we create a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to embrace their potential and illuminate their own unique path.

Respect the Invisible

In a world where everyone is constantly facing their own battles and challenges, kindness emerges as a powerful force that can positively impact lives. The simple act of being kind is an essential virtue that can bring about understanding, empathy, and support for one another. It is a reminder that behind every face we encounter, there is a story, a struggle, and a unique journey that shapes their experiences.

A dear friend shared this lovely story that inspired this post

A car ahead was moving like a turtle and not giving me way inspite of my continuous honking!

I was on brink of losing my cool when I noticed the small sticker on the cars rear.

It reads…
“Physically challenged; Please be patient.”

And that changed everything!! I immediately went calm and slowed down!!

In fact I got a little protective of the car and the driver.

I reached work a few minutes late, but it was ok!

And then it struck me. Would I have been patient if there was no sticker!?

Why do we need stickers to be patient with people!?

Will we be more patient and kind with others if people had labels pasted on their foreheads?

Labels like:
~ Lost my job
~ Fighting cancer
~ Going through a bad divorce
~ Suffering Emotional abuse
~ Lost a loved one
~ Feeling worthless
~ Financially messed up
…..and more like these.

Everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about.

The least we can do is be patient and kind.

We don’t have to put people through the pressures of explaining over times before we understand their pains and offer our little best.

As you go through each passing day always remember there’s an invisible label on everyone.

A simple virtue of patience may just be the respect you’re according that invisible label.

The Feynman Technique: Mastering Concepts through Simplicity and Clarity

The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey that often presents challenges in understanding complex concepts. Richard Feynman, a Nobel laureate physicist, devised a simple yet powerful technique to overcome this hurdle – the Feynman Technique. This method, named after the brilliant mind who created it, emphasizes the art of simplification and clarity as the key to mastering any subject.

Despite all of his accomplishments, Feynman thought of himself as “an ordinary person who studied hard”. He believed that anyone was capable of learning with enough effort, even complex subjects like quantum mechanics and electromagnetic fields.

There’s no miracle people. It just happens they got interested in this thing and they learned all this stuff. There’s just people.
Richard Feynman

What made Richard Feynman Richard Feynman (according to Richard Feynman, at least) wasn’t innate intelligence, but the systematic way in which he identified the things he didn’t know and then threw himself into understanding them inside and out. Throughout his work and life, Feynman provided insights into his process for considering complex concepts in the world of physics and distilling knowledge and ideas with elegance and simplicity. Many of these observations about his learning process have been collected into what we now call “The Feynman Technique”.

The Feynman Technique is a four-step process for understanding any topic. This technique rejects automated recall in favor of true comprehension gained through selection, research, writing, explaining, and refining. He rejected rote memorization; believed that learning should be an active process of “trial and error, discovery, free inquiry”; and held that if you couldn’t explain something clearly and simply it was because you didn’t understand it well enough.

His philosophies make up the Feynman Technique:

Choose a concept to learn. Select a topic you’re interested in learning about and write it at the top of a blank page in a notebook.

Teach it to yourself or someone else. Write everything you know about a topic out as if you were explaining it to yourself. Alternately, actually teach it to someone else.

Return to the source material if you get stuck. Go back to whatever you’re learning from – a book, lecture notes, podcast – and fill the gaps in your knowledge.

Simplify your explanations and create analogies. Streamline your notes and explanation, further clarifying the topic until it seems obvious. Additionally, think of analogies that feel intuitive.

I couldn’t reduce it to the freshman level. That means we really don’t understand it.
Richard Feynman

The Feynman Technique doesn’t let us fool ourselves into thinking we’re masters of a subject when we’re really amateurs. Each step of the process forces us to confront what we don’t know, engage directly with the material, and clarify our understanding.

By employing the Feynman Technique, you gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It encourages active learning, critical thinking, and a willingness to confront and address gaps in knowledge. Moreover, the ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms is a valuable skill in various fields, from academia to business and everyday life.

In conclusion, the Feynman Technique provides a practical and effective approach to learning and mastering any subject. By simplifying concepts and explaining them to others, you not only enhance your own understanding but also develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively. With the Feynman Technique as your guide, the journey of learning becomes an exciting adventure of discovery and growth.

St. Anthony of Padua

St. Anthony of Padua, born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195, was a renowned Franciscan friar, preacher, and theologian. His life was marked by deep spirituality, intellectual brilliance, and a profound commitment to serving others. St. Anthony is widely celebrated for his eloquent preaching, his dedication to the poor and oppressed, and his miraculous ability to find lost items.

St. Anthony’s journey to holiness began when he joined the Augustinian Canons Regular at a young age. However, witnessing the return of the bodies of five Franciscan martyrs inspired him to embrace the Franciscan way of life. He joined the Franciscan Order and embarked on a life of poverty, simplicity, and humility.

St. Anthony’s gift of preaching was evident from the early days of his religious life. His words captivated the hearts of his listeners, as he fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel message. He possessed a deep knowledge of scripture and theological insights that allowed him to convey complex truths in a simple and relatable manner. St. Anthony’s sermons attracted vast crowds, and his reputation as a powerful preacher spread far and wide.

While St. Anthony’s preaching brought him recognition and acclaim, his true love was for the marginalized and downtrodden. He tirelessly worked for the poor, hungry, and oppressed, advocating for their rights and alleviating their suffering. St. Anthony’s compassion extended beyond human beings, as he showed great care for animals and the environment.

One of the most famous aspects of St. Anthony’s life was his ability to find lost objects. It is said that when a novice took his Psalter, St. Anthony prayed for its return, and the novice was filled with guilt and returned the book. This miraculous event, along with many others, led to St. Anthony becoming the patron saint of lost things.

St. Anthony of Padua’s life serves as an inspiration to people of all walks of life. His dedication to the Gospel, his unwavering commitment to the poor and oppressed, and his miraculous intercession make him a beloved figure in the Catholic Church and beyond. St. Anthony’s teachings and example continue to resonate today, reminding us of the transformative power of faith, love, and compassion.