Content Developer with experience in automation and infrastructure, working at the intersection of Markdown and XML. Comfortable documenting GUI, CLI, API, and anything else.
Today, I installed an electric pump on a diesel tank. That "no-power hour" ended up being several hours. The pump kit didn't have the promised telescoping inlet pipe, so we had to run to the retail district to find an adapter to a pipe we had on-site (just needed to be cut down to size). After the initial hacksaw and pipe wrench work to assemble the physical end, there was wire stripping and splicing. Then I pointed out the 12aH motorcycle battery wasn't going to last very long with a pump drawing 20A. I figured 60W of solar, charging a Group 21 deep-cycle battery, will work for the intermittent use it will get (fueling a thirsty tractor). Technical writers can pick up a lot of useful skills over the years, and that includes filling gaps in documentation that is all too often missing crucial details. And I do like the idea of an intentional "no-power hour." I believe even our 14 year old instinctively recognizes the value, as he spends a lot of time fishing at the pond where the signal is spotty at best. At least he can get a pic if he catches a big fish!
1% Better | Former accountant, future author | Actionable personal development content
An idea that’s changing my life: The “No-Power” Hour: Every day for the last three weeks, I’ve been setting a 60-minute block where I don’t use any electronic devices (phone, laptop, headphones). This might not sound like much, but answer this: What’s the longest stretch of time each day (other than sleeping) where you’re not reading, watching, or listening to something on an electronic device? I don’t know about you, but for me, the answer was “not long”. We’ve become so used to stimulating ourselves every second of the day, that NOT using a device is considered weird. I’ve decided to fight back. Here are a few observations after three weeks of doing this: 1. It feels bad for the first 15 minutes or so: If you’re not used to being along with your thoughts, there’s going to be some discomfort. Also, some minor withdrawal symptoms if you’re addicted to your devices. 2. It feels great for the remaining time: Once you get through the initial discomfort, you’re quickly reminded that you can enjoy a meal without watching YouTube, or a cup of coffee without scrolling Instagram. It’s liberating. 3. I get a lot of ideas: We’re so busy filling our heads with constant inputs that we never give our brains space to create some output. Usually around the 30-minute mark, the ideas start to hit me like a wave. 4. Time slows down: These hours feel LONG, but that’s a good thing. Our devices have put us into a sort of autopilot mode that makes the days (and years) go by incredibly fast. My challenge to you: Put at least one “No-Power” Hour in your calendar this week. Let me know how it goes!