Confessions of a researchaholic

Like others, Tom Brady’s diet and fitness routines got my attention .
I see some positive aspects of his routines, but these might not work as well for others and probably not even the real reasons for his performance.

Exercise

I have cardio and weight/core training for about 1.5 hours in the morning, a walk between 0.5 to 2 hours (depending on the route and weather) in the afternoon, and 0.5 to 2 hours of coordination/control exercise in the evening.

Sleep

I usually go to bed around 10:30-to-11 pm and wake up between 6-to-6:30 am, and take a 20 to 30 min nap in the early afternoon.
I guess 10:30 pm among computer scientists is probably like his 8:30 pm among the general public, and I actually need to avoid waking up too early (like 4 am when my brain got too excited).

Diet

I usually have fruit smoothie, grain/bean/seed milk, and some dairy (cheese and egg) for breakfast; vegetables, seafood, and carbohydrate (yam, sweet potatoes, bread/toast) for lunch; and vegetables, fruits, and vegetarian protein (tofu or yogurt) for dinner.
I have dark chocolate (often 100 percent cocoa) for morning snacks, hot cocoa (pure without sugar) and green tea matcha as drinks in the morning and afternoon.

I was puzzled by his denial of dairies, and found out it is not based on science.

Mind

I meditate everyday, and I probably don’t need additional brain exercises beyond my work and reading.

I was reading this book chapter about a group of poker players at a game table, some closely observed every play and some just focused on their own thoughts.
The former can learn others’ habits and adapt their betting strategies, while the latter can bust out even with a mathematically good hand.

This made me realize that I could have paid more outward attention and less inward looking to the different situations I have been in, from daily conversations/meetings (too much self distractions) to international jobs/travels (too little observation these different people and places).

This also relates to a maxim of meditation, of being present, which can enhance happiness and productivity.

A discussion about sperm donation came into my mind a few days ago.

All biological beings are built to spread and continue their genetic legacies. However, I should also be responsible on how my genetic future will match, grow, and further spread. And thus consider one-way blind donation unsuitable for me.

I noticed a missed delivery slip near my front door. As before, I filled it out for redelivery without requiring signature, but the package never came and the staff could not find it in their office. Due to its content, I guess the package has been stolen. I did not keep a copy of the delivery slip since the process has worked before a few times.
Lesson learned: keep the due diligence and never let my guard down.

[This is my reply to a co-author who expressed concerns about the randomness in peer reviews.]

During my military training, a saying went like 散彈打鳥不死也傷, which roughly translates to “if one shoots enough bullets into a forest eventually a bird will be hit”.

(There are others related quotes such as “the best way to have a great idea is to have a lot of ideas” by Linus Pauling, but shooting bullets feels more concrete/visceral.)

Other things being equal, more attempts tend to reduce statistical variance and increase the numbers of success.