INTP Support Group to help others get stuff done

[ActiveMind]

So I had this idea where we post whatever it is we want to do or work on, and those who have knowledge or interest in the subject can post links, resources, inspiration, or even just a positive note in order to help other INTPs finish whatever it is they want to do but don't quite have the focus, motivation, or just outright fear of actually doing it. The main thing is this is a positive exercise to help like-minded people enrich themselves!!!

I'll start.


What I want to do:

I'm looking to learn programming and possibly 3D modelling since learning I'm an INTP. However, I would need something that would cater to my particular type of learning and need answers to all questions in order to fully grasp the concept, in addition to performing the tasks multiple times in order to internalize the logic at hand. I do have a background in both art and computers so I'm somewhat confident I might be able to learn both subjects with good instruction in a non-fail environment.

What are the obstacles?

General laziness, lack of focus and motivation. Have not had much experience where instructors would cater to my type of learning(how, why). Fear of not being able to grasp complex formulas (programming) that would possibly lead to entire rejection of subject.

I was actually pointed to this place today:

www.edtogo.com

Has an online intro to programming course as well as other resources available to those who're looking to program or learn other trade skills. 5 courses a year are also free if you have Los Angeles City library card!

Now just need motivation to get it done!!!!

 

[mindtheplatonicgap]

You can´t go wrong with Bucky for programming tutorials. This one´s C++.

Cheers and good luck.

 

[ActiveMind]

Hey thanks a lot! Appreciate the help!

 

[B.C.P.]

This needs a revive, including a feature for leaving voicemails that are automatically compiled into an alarm-clock feature on every user's PC.

(don't worry, anonymity will be a built-in feature).

My contribution, spoken in a creepy whisper: "I tracked your IP address. I'm outside your door."

 

[B.C.P.]

ActiveMind, when it gets tedious, swtich the process up.

Good luck.

 

[Pinion]

I'm looking to learn programming and possibly 3D modelling since learning I'm an INTP. However, I would need something that would cater to my particular type of learning and need answers to all questions in order to fully grasp the concept, in addition to performing the tasks multiple times in order to internalize the logic at hand. I do have a background in both art and computers so I'm somewhat confident I might be able to learn both subjects with good instruction in a non-fail environment.

Why programming? This seems to be a very common choice with people who want to do more with computers (or people who discover they're INTP, apparently), but it's not for everyone. If you don't love it for what it is, you're not using it to make something you love, and you're not making good money it's kind of soul-sucking. I tinkered around with Python and C++ for about a year before I found something more exciting and never looked back.

It's not terribly difficult, especially if you're persistent and creative, but be careful not to limit yourself.

 

[Beat Mango]

I want to eat two whole boxes of Jatz.

Wait, already done This is what happens when you try to give up grog.

 

[crippli]

I see you mention 3D modeling. I learned it(but cannot claim advanced skills) on the side of an engineering degree(construction and material technology). I just read the manuals of programs like pro/engineer and pro/machanica, solidworks and others. Back then they where mostly parametric. But in resent times I think they have managed to handle dynamic behavior better.

I think it's quite similar to programming, only that one work with geometric properties. You build the model from the ground, apply dimensions and constraints at the proper places. Once finished. Say if you built a robot. Adjusting the arm will update the fingers. May sound trivial, but sometimes it's challenging, as things are defined in space. Unlike programs like 3d-studio max, that is more animation, render, free floating, game thing. Not so good for creation irl.

Some course to fill in the spots of material science, structural design to give you the full tool box may speed things up. But all this stuff you can read up on if you have some basic math and science skills. And Woo, suddenly you are drawing bridges. Or space shuttles, or whatever your mind can conjure. And if you learn these types of programs, and basic architecture, you can print out 2D drawings and have the stuff produced and built. These programs generate machine G codes automatically for CNC production. So quite useful if you have complicated ideas you want to make real.

I have become aware of INTPs who are really successful/revolutionary at aspects of this. If they find their passion. Like this guy, http://www.flyozone.com/paragliders/en/team/people/luc-armant/
I was observing him one day, and it dawned on me that this fellow fit the description. Consumed by his own mind and passion. But managed to make it work in the real world. There is something to be learned from that.

 

[walfin]

Blender Book: Free 3D Graphics Software for the Web and Video: Carsten Wartmann: 9781886411449: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BY7XFYRGL.@@AMEPARAM@@51BY7XFYRGL is a classic.

This free book is not bad.

In the free software world, everyone uses blender so don't bother with other software packages (I much preferred K-3D but it was just too limited). If you must use something commercial, consider Lightwave, I hear it is pretty good. Although 3DS Max was and still may be the industry standard, it has been described as the 3D software package which takes the most number of steps to get something done.

For a quick start, try playing with FPS map editors such as Valve Hammer Editor which have not much of a learning curve, or play the game Sauerbraten, a free game with in-world octree editing. Again, if you must use something commercial, Kodu Game Lab from MS seems fun and will teach you both 3D world building and programming with logic bricks. Alice is also a good software package to play with.


OK my turn. I would like to build a railroad in a developing country which I visited once and liked very much. I have no idea where to start. What should I do?

 

[Cavallier]

OK my turn. I would like to build a railroad in a developing country which I visited once and liked very much. I have no idea where to start. What should I do?

Are we talking a large scale project that will cover the breadth of the country? Is it from just one town to the next? Will it only be a couple of miles long?

Whichever it is the three following steps are critical.

1. Make a plan: Take measurments, make maps, talk to locals and find out if there is a real need for your railroad. Make a dossier on the area full of socio-economic information. Define the potential good a roilroad would do for the community. Also, consider the possible negative effects the railroad might have. Will people need to move their homes? Will blasting or trenching be needed? Who will do it? How will they do it? Talk to local laborers and see if paying them to help build the road will help the local community as much as the actual railroad itself or see if you will need to set up a charity program in which you have First World college students volunteer their summers to help out. Will the Peace Corp or some other NGO accept possible ideas and help put their support behind you? Along that same vein make reliable and knowledgeable contacts in the area. Talk to the local charity programs and NGOs. Develop a positive report with all of the local important people.

2. Marketing for your project: Now that you know exactly what needs to be done and how to do it make your project attractive. Make it sellable. Get pictures of people, places, and things. Make the idea come alive through visuals and catch phrases. Give your plan a sympathetic human face. Make a video with interviews and emotional music. Make something that catches the eye and brings in interest. Develop hype for your project. This is where your various contacts will come in handy.

3. Funding - Two Words: Crowd Source. Talk to places like The Good People Fund or even go to Kickstarter. Use facebook, twitter, youtube, and make a website.

Now for my question: If I am to learn guitar on my own completely without a teacher should I just teach myself songs (as I have been doing) and learn chords as I go or should I invest in a book or two? Videos? Am I harming my potential guitar abilities by refusing to pay a teacher to help me learn?

 

[kvothe27]

Okay. I'm having trouble focusing on my math homework and my programming assignments. I'm in some sort of funk. I've just been procrastinating by playing video games. I'm perfectly capable of doing the assignments when I can focus, but I'm having trouble focusing. I go to class and my mind just races. I sit down to do my homework and the same thing results.

I think a good fix would be to trick my mind into being interested in this stuff again to the extent that any other problems become background noise. As it stands, I'm mildly interested in it, but not enough to go into hyper focus. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open to them. I've already gone over all the consequences for myself if I don't focus and be productive, but this doesn't seem to work anymore. I've tried framing it in terms of math and programming actually being awesome magic to learn, but this isn't working anymore.

I'd go back on adderall, but my end experience with it last time was horrible. I'd go back on bupropion, but it made me suicidal. I'd go back on some other stimulant, but those caused all sorts of other intolerable problems. My supplements don't seem to work anymore. Of course, I don't need any of these drugs or supplements when I can trick myself into going into some sort of hyper focus.

Basically, I need a really good placebo to trick myself into being interested in doing well in school. Oddly, even the incentives (good paying job) aren't even motivating me anymore. Even having to work a really crappy job over the summer isn't even doing anything anymore. Exercise and meditation aren't even working anymore. I'm really at a loss. Ideas? I don't want to crash and burn like this during my senior year.

 

[Perfectly Normal Beast]

I'm having trouble focusing on my math homework and my programming assignments. I'm in some sort of funk. I've just been procrastinating by playing video games.

I think a good fix would be to trick my mind into being interested in this stuff.

I don't want to crash and burn like this during my senior year.

So...it seems clear what you really want...you must find a way to force yourself.

Try taking Rousseau to a personal level - recognize that there is a conflict in your mind between the procrastinating lower self ('personal freedom') and the hard-working higher self ('social freedom'). Accept this division - put the latter in authority over the former and force yourself 'to be free' i.e. to do that which your non-lazy self WANTS to do. Authority is not oppressive when you yourself are the source of it. The procrastinator is a trickster who will take every opportunity to distract you and divert you from the more difficult path but s/he can be bribed and coerced into submission with the promise of future indulgencies.

This approach (sometimes) works for me, partly because lazy self-indulgence is so much more enjoyable after a period of hard work.

Be strict with yourself!!

 

[walfin]

Are we talking a large scale project that will cover the breadth of the country? Is it from just one town to the next? Will it only be a couple of miles long?

The initial plan is to have a very short railroad from the capital to the nearest coffee plantation. Hopefully it can be expanded.

3. Funding - Two Words: Crowd Source. Talk to places like The Good People Fund or even go to Kickstarter. Use facebook, twitter, youtube, and make a website.

Now for my question: If I am to learn guitar on my own completely without a teacher should I just teach myself songs (as I have been doing) and learn chords as I go or should I invest in a book or two? Videos? Am I harming my potential guitar abilities by refusing to pay a teacher to help me learn?

Hadn't heard of the Good People Fund before, thanks! (I'll keep your first two steps in mind of course)

If you are learning guitar for the first time, I suggest learning the song "Tom Dooly" as it has only 2 chords (C, G7). If you are Christian or are not averse to playing Christian hymns for learning purposes you can try "Therefore being justified by faith" (Romans 5:1). It is often easier to learn strumming before you start learning lead guitar. I suggest also continual practice playing the chords of E/Em and A/Am with your 3rd, 4th & 5th fingers so you will be able to strum almost any song you want with bar chords.

Oh try playing Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix too, there's a YouTube video on it. Good for exposure.

 

[Cavallier]

If you are learning guitar for the first time, I suggest learning the song "Tom Dooly" as it has only 2 chords (C, G7). If you are Christian or are not averse to playing Christian hymns for learning purposes you can try "Therefore being justified by faith" (Romans 5:1). It is often easier to learn strumming before you start learning lead guitar. I suggest also continual practice playing the chords of E/Em and A/Am with your 3rd, 4th & 5th fingers so you will be able to strum almost any song you want with bar chords.

Oh try playing Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix too, there's a YouTube video on it. Good for exposure.

Interesting. I'll give those a go. So far I've learned a few songs and am fairly capable with them. They are simple and the strum is mind numbingly boring but at least I can play them.

 

[kvothe27]

So...it seems clear what you really want...you must find a way to force yourself.

Try taking Rousseau to a personal level - recognize that there is a conflict in your mind between the procrastinating lower self ('personal freedom') and the hard-working higher self ('social freedom'). Accept this division - put the latter in authority over the former and force yourself 'to be free' i.e. to do that which your non-lazy self WANTS to do. Authority is not oppressive when you yourself are the source of it. The procrastinator is a trickster who will take every opportunity to distract you and divert you from the more difficult path but s/he can be bribed and coerced into submission with the promise of future indulgencies.

This approach (sometimes) works for me, partly because lazy self-indulgence is so much more enjoyable after a period of hard work.

Be strict with yourself!!

Yes, this is a good way to build discipline. This distinction you point out is a useful one. Thanks. I finally got some math homework done today.

It's so easy to trick myself into thinking I need to set up a perfect studying cognitive state or environment. First I need to go exercise. No, wait, I also need to meditate. I need to go somewhere else because the people over there won't shut the fuck up. Wait, I also need caffeine. No, I need some other supplement or another. So on and so forth . . . Sometimes I just need to be strict by yelling at myself or some such thing to motivate myself to just sit the fuck down and do my damn homework.

 

[Perfectly Normal Beast]

Yes, this is a good way to build discipline. This distinction you point out is a useful one. Thanks. I finally got some math homework done today.

Really cool, i'm glad my technique was useful to you

It's so easy to trick myself into thinking I need to set up a perfect studying cognitive state or environment. First I need to go exercise. No, wait, I also need to meditate. I need to go somewhere else because the people over there won't shut the fuck up. Wait, I also need caffeine. No, I need some other supplement or another. So on and so forth . . . Sometimes I just need to be strict by yelling at myself or some such thing to motivate myself to just sit the fuck down and do my damn homework.

I see that your inner procrastinator is as cunning as mine! Don't listen to those excuses!
I'd never get anything done without my stern authoritarian self to kick the lazy bitch into action (oh crap i sound like i have multiple personality disorder!).

 

[Lacplesis]

What I want to do:

I'm looking to learn programming and possibly 3D modelling since learning I'm an INTP.

Hi,

As a former architecture student I can help you to wrap your mind around some concepts of 3d modelling. First and most important thing here is to understand your purpose of 3d modelling since it is your purpose that will determine the most suitable workflow. There is a truckload of 3d programms out on the internet and the trick here is that they actually differ in application/purpose. Many of course have similar goal. Ok, in short, understanding why you need 3d I can give further recommendations.

So my problem is as follows:

I want/need to learn Norwegian from scratch. I am targeting at mainstream Norwegian, I think it is called ''Bokmål''. Since Norwegian is unpopular language out of Norway, I am really struggling to find a decent dictionary. Not every dictionary will do, because I need IPA (phonetics) transcription for every word. My native language is Latvian, but I have also mastered English.

 

[kvothe27]

I haven't been going to my classes. A psych drug I'm on is making me depressed. I was planning my suicide and sleeping all day. I think I'm about done with psychiatry. Time to end my consumption of yet another psych drug with cons that outweigh the pros. Time to bust my ass. I have yet to repeat any classes, and I don't want to start now. I managed to spend eight hours today catching up on my math homework.

I must spend all day tomorrow studying, catching up, and going to my classes.

 

[somfoolishfoole]

I haven't been going to my classes. A psych drug I'm on is making me depressed. I was planning my suicide and sleeping all day. I think I'm about done with psychiatry. Time to end my consumption of yet another psych drug with cons that outweigh the pros. Time to bust my ass. I have yet to repeat any classes, and I don't want to start now. I managed to spend eight hours today catching up on my math homework.

I must spend all day tomorrow studying, catching up, and going to my classes.

It is interesting how massivly the change of an avataar can change your perception of someone in a forum. your avataar cahnge also changed my image of you drastically. you sound like your in a similar helpless depressed state as I am currently

 

[kvothe27]

How did your perception of me change massively based on my change in avatar? For better? For worse? Something else? What?

Yes, it does sound like we are.

 

[NSINTP]

My favorite 3d modeling program is Rhino 3D, though I cannot afford it, I loved using it in high school.