One thing I'd like to learn (or to become better at) is meditation - the practice of silencing my thoughts for a short period.

What does that have to do with electronics?

It reduces stress and makes me more focused on the task at hand. So I can build more circuits, faster.

At least in theory.

The problem is that I don't practice it.

So naturally, I don't get the benefit of it.

I recently asked my former meditation teacher for advice. He asked me back:

"What's holding you back?"

"I don't have enough time," I started typing (this was on Facebook Messenger).

Then I deleted it because I realized that I could do it in as little as 5 minutes per day.

I tried again: "I don't know what to do."

But I had to delete this too because I had all the notes from the class that showed me exactly what to do.

Then I tried:

"I guess I don't have the motivation?"

But again, I realized that I am here writing to this guy because I want to meditate, so I do have motivation too!

After a few more failed attempts at finding the reason, I realized what I was lacking:

Commitment.

A great quote (that is often erroneously attributed to Goethe) goes:

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too."

(Actually from W. H. Murray in The Scottish Himalaya Expedition, 1951)

We all have our daily routines.

And unless you definitely commit to making a change, you'll likely fall back into old habits.

But when you commit - then magic happens.

Do you see the relationship with electronics?

For whatever you want to learn - you need the How and What to do. But without the commitment to doing it, nothing happens!

Keep On Soldering!
Oyvind @ build-electronic-circuits.com

PS! Are you ready to commit to learning electronics? I've laid out the How and What to do to learn electronics in the two options below, but you're the only one who can commit and make sure it happens:

Getting Started With Electronics is a short and beginner-friendly eBook I wrote to help people get started. It contains clear and simple instructions to get started building electronics. Perfect for complete beginners.
Ohmify is for people who think learning skills like soldering, circuit design, Arduino, and circuit board design sounds fun! And who are ready to commit to doing the steps necessary to learn.