How to be a Good Technical Person?

I was talking with an architect who seemed to be very dynamic and assertive. Coming directly to the point, what he informed me opened up my eyes:

1. He reads 50 pages everyday no matter how tired he is.
2. He writes 5 pages everyday no matter how exhausted he feels.
3. Every year he tries to learn at least one programming language.
4. Every year he tries to attend at least 3 technical conferences and make some new contacts with good techies
5. Every year he tries to contribute new something to a freeware


I know the first 2 are tough calls, if you are not a habitual reader or writer. But it can be “customized” a bit. How about reading 20 pages and writing 2 pages a day and ramp up your ability down the line?

For the 3rd one, I believe one can easily learn a programming language in a year, which suits the profession and marketable. It not only helps you sharpen your ability to think with your “brainware” being connected, it does provide many side benefits as well.

For the 4th one, well I am also a freeware person at heart and very frugal. So how about joining discussion groups, which can be on framework, emerging technology, patterns etc? I think it is very much doable.

For the 5th one, I think it might be tough initially, but you will get there if you know there process and practices. And who know you will know and learn a lot from them. Though at this stage, I am not following it either – fact is, it is beyond the reach of my current ability. But, you can give a try.