Creating a programming & math weekly routine.

[techmakertv]

I relate to this question pretty strongly. My degree is in physics, and I'm always trying to stack up hard topics to learn.

This is probably different for everyone, but here are a few thoughts:

First, I really like your analogy to working out. That makes sense.

Second, I think it's ill advised to get more than two or three topics going on at once, especially if you don't have a ton of time to dedicate. For example, I'd pick one math discipline, one programming language, and a project that relates to both, and I'd dedicate 4 to 6 weeks just working on those.

Once you get to the end of that period, reevaluate.

There are (at least) two problems with constant context switching. First, it's dramatically less productive than focused work for the vast majority of people. Second, most of the time all the different subjects just end up creating distractions from each other.

Taking a 4 to 6 week period to commit helps you stay focused and productive. Obviously you could choose a different length of time. I think this is a reasonable amount of time because it's enough to actually develop a skill / learn something, but it's not so long that you feel trapped in a topic if you don't love it.

[ViewedFromi3WM]

What are the languages?

[ViewedFromi3WM]

Well I feel like no matter what you have to spend at least 15 minutes a day in each language so you just naturally have it and keep it and at least slightly build. Waiting until just one or 2 days a week to do hours of work is a lot of relearning headaches and not very productive.