Husan Isomiddinov

One of the best essays out there btw) https://t.me/agora_writing/113

A couple startup-bros recommended I put 8 because the book is like 120 pages, but still filled with tangible, practical advice. Doesn't linger the conclusions. @husan_thinking

Very relevant especially in this era of meta questions and lazy asks.

Last minute WRITING advice! Grab it before the deadlines) https://t.me/agora_writing/110

The only audibook in the entire log) https://husanisomiddinov.com/reading/greenlights

TEN COMMANDMENTS (MANNERS EDITION) 1. Queueing Culture Everyone is rushing. Everyone is busy living their lives. And being late is not a valid excuse for anyone to cut the line. Happens all the time whenever I am grabbing a coffee or tea. I will often spot someone trying to stand ahead of me while they clearly came after me. If they just politely ask & explain, I can let them pass. But they don’t do it and act as if they didn’t notice me. We have to develop a queueing culture. 2. Calls and Voice Messages The only reason why I have tg premium is to avoid getting random voice messages from total strangers. No one is required to attend to your problem. So, be polite and simply text; don’t flood chats with voice messages and calls (especially in professional settings). And for God’s sake, write your entire question in one message. No one is willing to play “chatting” games. (If you really have to call, do it two times. If someone doesn’t pick up even after your second call, they probably won’t pick up your 5th either.) 3. Speaking loudly Our nation is blessed with high-pitched vocal organs. That’s great. But also ensure that high-pitched sounds do not harm others. No one wants to hear your conversation in public. No one wants to hear your loud laugh, regardless of how great the joke is. The same applies to devices. Some people criminally watch reels on the highest volume possible in public settings. And there are some “car aficionados” who think our ears need to get blessed hearing their chopped playlist. Respect the audio boundaries. Be aware of your vocals. 4. Punctuality I need to be honest with this one, but I wasn’t punctual at all. I was chronically late. But time is the most precious commodity. I wanted people to respect my time, so I started respecting everyone else’s time. I am proud to say that I am a changed person, though I am still late sometimes. And when I am, I do inform beforehand. We need to break the stereotype about Uzbeks always being late. 5. Introductions This is not a big one, but still important. I like meeting new and interesting people. And whenever I do, I introduce myself briefly. I usually start with my name, then go on to my current interests. But it just seems to me that Uzbeks don’t like introducing themselves. Whatsoever. They don’t tell their name. Neither do they want to talk. This feels awkward. Open up! Continue the conversation! Use your chance to meet one more interesting person! One of the best traits I see in most interesting, novel, and smart people is that they are just good at holding conversations. They don’t shy away! ... I may continue the list later. But I don’t want this post to be a complaint. It is far from it. And even if it is one, some complaints are given simply because one party wants the other to improve (b2c settings, for example). @husan_thinking

Made it a habit to have evening walks in the past few weeks. It is a refuge for me. Takes you out of your rushing state. Clears the mind. Settles the thoughts down. Offers this ineffable appreciation for life and people around you. P.s. will get back to running too. Planning my first half marathon in april next year. Husan

If you are a finance bro, don't talk about "loss aversion" in your personal statement. Don't ask why, but just don't talk about it.

“Clankers” era is starting people!

Soon!

#sorryy I know I haven't replied to a lot of people over in my dms. I know. I feel bad for it too. I never denied help for any polite asker. But my life got very busy and actually for good reasons (not related to admissions. don't speculate. and i don't even think i will be applying early) And I am being forced to prioritize my own schedule than altruism (if you ever call it so).

I call this a harmonic protest. Get this spread guys!

🧭 *** Compass is coming… What if there was a place where your questions didn’t fade away, but actually led you somewhere? A place built not for answers, but for those brave enough to ask. We’ve spent months creating something that will change how young minds think, explore, and create. It’s not a club. Not a course. Not a university. It’s a compass. Guess where this compass leads you?! Stay close. The first clue drops soon. Join now! You can't miss it! https://t.me/+2pfAi6mcnUQwYWJi https://t.me/+2pfAi6mcnUQwYWJi https://t.me/+2pfAi6mcnUQwYWJi

I liked Atlas. Easier interface than Comet's one. Let's just see what unfolds next. Btw, if you are still using chrome or safari, you are missing out on big stuff. And I like how we are back to browser wars again. Either download Comet or Atlas (both are free now). P.S: And don't be surprised seeing the Agora writing guidebook having the same name as Atlas. I literally settled on the name like two months when we started working on it.

Be specific not only in writing. But in life too! Take yourself out of this sheep-like passivity. Put in the work to be specific.

Updated the reading section, fixed the bugs, removed the social media part and instead put my links as texts. What any other update do you guys think i need? What new components would be fun to see? Or you would like to see? I need your thoughts! husanisomiddinov.com

Life goals: be as important to people around you as AWS is to the internet

I don't consider myself an expert at this, but there are one or two lessons I can definitely jot down on how one should study (or "lock in" for frenzies).

Rule 1: Focus on a single task for hours.

I had this weird habit of dividing my free time to finish multiple tasks. I thought I was being productive. But I was just being performative. I can't cite any study to back this up, but the real "lock-in" doesn't start when you start. It starts when you are deep into the task, surfing on the flow. Switching the work after "locking in" for 40 minutes is counterproductive. And yes, I will be bold and say the Pomodoro or anything alike is borderline bullshit. You can't reach the flow state when you keep switching.

Rule 2: Don't choose places.

A student who can study at home can also study at a cafe, or a library, or a fast food place, and even that sturdy bench in the streets (happened). If you think you can only study if you go to a cafe, then reconsider. Reconsider if you can actually study. And reconsider whatever you call "studying" is actually studying. You are only losing time if you are stuck between options. Kierkegaard was a pessimist. A better quote would be: "do it or not do it, time will pass anyway." (A personal preference, but home is the best. Not a big fan of losing my valuable hours commuting).

Rule 3: Invest in a great chair.

Comfort is a huge thing if you want to lock in. Yes, I was overstating with that bench thing in the previous paragraph. Your body needs to feel right. Don't leave any ounce of discomfort. Mind and Body are connected. They influence each other. You can't finish that paper while lying down or with a spine bent in an oval form. Good chairs are expensive. But the return on investment will be high. Higher than investing in Bitcoin back in 2013.

Rule 4: Fix your sleep schedule.

Mornings are the best time to study. Make it a habit of yours to sleep early and wake up early. You will feel happier. Fewer headaches. And those 24 hours finally seem like 24 hours. And if possible, have a 10 minute walk to start the day. That 7am sun is like a recharge. @husan_thinking

I usually stay away from admissions or sat-related topics, but this is not about admissions anymore. It is about basic ethics. There is this channel that openly sends the leaks: https://t.me/secretsofsat And there are other BIG orgs that (i won’t name) who openly rig the system and either send the leaks publicly or within their students. If you reduce the entire value of an elite education to cheating in the tests, you will get an according result. You reap what you sow. I think this topic should be brought more often. More often than debunking some admissions gurus.