As a quantum computing engineer, while dedicating myself to research, I realize that not only is it important to enhance technical skills, but it’s also crucial to train and maintain my physical and mental well-being. While technical training and learning are essential, it's equally important to think about how to maintain the balance between the mind and body in a desk-based job where we spend long hours sitting.

The work of an engineer mostly involves sitting in front of a computer for long periods, writing code, reading papers, and making implementations. To maintain high levels of focus and tackle technical challenges in such an environment, there are a few key mindsets and habits that are crucial.

1. Delve Deep into Your Chosen Theme

The field of quantum computing is vast, with new knowledge and technologies emerging daily. Choosing a suitable topic to focus on and diving deep into it is the key to growth. The suitability of the chosen theme significantly impacts the quality and speed of learning. Being constantly hungry for new knowledge and deepening your expertise in your specific field is essential. Many people reduce their learning efficiency by selecting inefficient or insufficiently explored topics.

2. Efficient Work and Speed

An engineer's success also depends on work speed and efficiency. It's not just about handling a large workload, but how quickly one can understand the problem and accurately find solutions. This requires not only spending a set amount of time each day on study and practice but also maintaining focus and adopting habits that minimize wasteful effort.

3. Leveraging Feedback

Actively accepting feedback from others and using it to improve your skills is indispensable for growth. Whether working in a team or engaging with external communities, learning new perspectives and approaches can provide insights for tackling your own challenges. Many quantum engineers often overestimate their technical prowess and tend to treat others' opinions as merely supplementary. It's important to reassess whether something is truly rational. There’s something called the Dunning-Kruger effect, and apparently, 90% of people fall into this trap.

4. Building Physical Stamina for Sustainable Performance

Engineering work can be more physically taxing than it seems. Sitting for long periods can reduce concentration and cause shoulder or lower back pain, which are major obstacles to maintaining consistent high performance. Therefore, building physical stamina is just as important as the work itself. Incorporating daily exercise or stretching helps maintain concentration and prevents physical discomfort. Without careful attention to issues like tendonitis, shoulder pain, or imbalance, prolonged work can eventually lead to more serious problems.

5. Maintaining Mental and Physical Balance

Finally, an engineer's success hinges on maintaining a balance between mind and body. No matter how much technical knowledge you possess, without physical and mental endurance, it’s difficult to achieve long-term results. Taking regular breaks and time to refresh can help ensure stable, long-term productivity. Balancing work with personal life is challenging, as personal factors can influence job performance. Maintaining calm under any circumstance, including managing your health, requires remarkable mental strength.

Conclusion

As a quantum computing engineer, it’s crucial to not only focus on technical growth but also to manage your physical stamina and mental state. By delving deeply into your chosen theme, working efficiently, and incorporating exercise and rest into your routine, you can achieve sustainable performance and long-term success.