Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore how to refine our skills and enhance our careers in technology. I’m your host, Victor Leung, and today we’re talking about the life of a software architect—not just the role itself but how to continually grow and adapt in this rapidly evolving field.

Being an architect in technology is more than just reaching a title. It’s about engaging in an ongoing journey of learning and adaptation. The landscape of technology shifts constantly; what was relevant yesterday might become obsolete tomorrow. Remember the Clipper programming language? Exactly my point.

Let’s dive into something I call The 20-Minute Rule. This is a method where you dedicate at least 20 minutes each day to advancing your knowledge—whether that’s exploring a new technology or deepening your understanding of a current project. This might sound brief, but these focused minutes can profoundly influence your career growth over time.

However, it’s not without challenges. Our lives are packed with responsibilities, so it’s essential to carve out this time intentionally. I recommend setting this period first thing in the morning—after your coffee and before you dive into emails. It’s about making a small window of time a non-negotiable part of your day.

Another powerful tool in your arsenal should be a Personal Technology Radar. This idea, inspired by ThoughtWorks, helps you keep track of the latest in tools, languages, frameworks, and platforms. Their Technology Radar is a fantastic resource that categorizes tech into what you should Hold, Assess, Trial, and Adopt. Adapting this to your personal learning can guide you in what to focus on and experiment with next.

And don’t underestimate the power of social media and open source tools for keeping up with tech trends. In 2016, ThoughtWorks released a tool for creating your own radar visualizations, and platforms like Twitter are invaluable for real-time updates from tech leaders and communities.

To wrap up, becoming a great architect is like any other skill—it improves with practice. There’s no perfect blueprint in architecture; it’s all about making informed trade-offs and learning from each project. Continuous learning is your best tool in navigating this complex, ever-changing environment.

Thank you for tuning in to Continuous Improvement. I hope today’s episode inspires you to integrate daily learning into your routine and actively shape your technology radar. I’m Victor Leung, and I look forward to joining you next time as we continue to build our skills and improve together. Until then, keep learning, keep growing, and keep pushing the boundaries of what you can achieve.