Another year another JAOO and my rear end securely planted on the agile track. Last year (thats 2008 folks!) Linda Rising gave an inspirational talk about the wonders of retrospectives. It was a real eyeopener not only for use as a developer with an agile affliction but also on a personal level. Key words: Stop, reflect, keep + try + wonder. It’s chiseled in my mind.

Linda Rising at Jaoo 2009

This year Linda Rising opened her talk with a warning that every conference should have at least one wierd talk and that this was it! oh boy oh boy oh boy . The talk “Guiding Your Personal Life – Plan-Driven or Agile“ centered around the the need for better understanding and awareness on how we do work and use brakes instead of stimulants to re energize ourselves. One of the things that she do so well is capture the audience, and not to force the issue but let it sink in slowly. Now as I am reflecting (because I do that now) upon what i heard I am loaded with want for change in how I structure my day. 90 minute cycles played a big part in the presentation. Sleep cycles are chopped into 90 minute cycles and maby that is not such a bad idea to transcend into the normal work day? 90 minutes of concentration and work on a subject, then a break where you take your eyes away from the screen and into the horizon (something blue should be good, and as my wife said: “Just minimize to the desktop dear!” *grin*). Another big part of the talk was about taking naps. Now as a parent with young children I positively know that this is a good idea in order to lengthen your strength. But how acceptable is it at your workplace – as Linda asked us.  I dont know if I have succeeded in conveying the essence of the talk, but take a look at the slides, lean back and look to the horizon, maby take a little nap? reflect and experiment of what you learned.

Oh and take a look at the photos from JAOO 2009 at flickr