"Success is a habit, not a coincidence," — Bekir Bekirov on his lifestyle

Bekir Bekirov, city — Tashkent, senior backend developer, @b.bekirov

About me

I am an experienced senior backend developer with deep knowledge in programming and the development of complex server applications. Currently, I work at Click, and I am also an entrepreneur in the IT industry. My work involves designing, developing, and maintaining scalable and high-load systems.

I specialize in various programming languages and technologies, database management, microservices architecture, APIs, and DevOps practices.

My goal is to solve complex problems and help businesses build efficient and reliable systems. In my free time, I am interested in new technologies, attend training sessions and masterclasses, and learn new approaches in software development.

I always adhere to the principle of effective planning to achieve maximum productivity and successfully implement set goals. I regularly allocate time for planning the year, month, week, and each working day. I believe that a well-planned day is equivalent to a week of chaotic work, so I strive for clear organization of tasks.

I actively use note-taking to simplify work and clear my mind, which allows me to focus on priority tasks and not worry about forgetting important details. This approach helps maintain mental clarity and confidence in executing plans. I often use my favorite notebook, the Todoist app, Trello, Notes, or Obsidian for summaries and thoughts.

My favorite part of the day is the morning, although this is not typical for IT specialists. I start the first half of the day by reviewing and tackling complex tasks. There is a great quote from Brian Tracy in one of his time management books: "If you have to eat two frogs, start with the ugliest one." The essence of this idea is that if you have several difficult tasks, it is better to complete the most important and challenging one first.

As for relaxation, it is important to switch to other activities after work—whether it is sports, hobbies, learning new technologies, or spending time with family.

My routine is a balance between high productivity at work and sufficient rest to maintain long-term effectiveness and satisfaction with my work without experiencing burnout.

Where and how I learn

Success is a habit, not a coincidence. I am convinced that professional growth is impossible without continuous learning. Therefore, I actively invest time in developing my knowledge and skills, especially in the context of the rapid development of the IT sector. Only discipline and action can lead to success.

When I started my journey in IT, the technologies and stacks I worked with were relatively stable. However, over the last few years, the industry has made a huge leap forward. New tools, approaches, and requirements have emerged, significantly accelerating the pace of development and complicating competition.

These changes not only inspire me to constantly self-develop but also highlight the importance of adaptation. I understand that to remain a sought-after specialist, I need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, study modern technologies, and know how to apply them.

I structure my learning around several principles:

— systematic self-education. I read professional literature, articles, and blogs dedicated to programming, system architecture, DevOps practices, and modern technologies. Among my favorite authors are Brian Tracy, Robert Martin, and Martin Fowler.

— courses and training. I regularly take online courses on platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and OTUS. I also participate in masterclasses and seminars that help deepen knowledge in relevant areas.

— practical learning. I always implement the knowledge I gain in real projects. For me, theory is important, but practice is even more so. This helps me better understand how to use new approaches and technologies in real-world conditions. It is important not to be afraid and to try new things!

Environment

My environment is formed by both professional colleagues and people with whom I share interests outside of work. I actively choose an environment that promotes my growth and inspires new ideas. Mostly, these are colleagues in the field—developers, architects, DevOps specialists, as well as experts in other technology areas. An important factor for me is the presence of experience and a desire for self-improvement in people.

I also communicate with people who are not directly related to IT, because diversity of perspectives is always beneficial for personal growth and creativity. These can be entrepreneurs, marketers, designers, artists, sales specialists, as well as friends and acquaintances with whom I share not only technical but also life interests.

Sharing experience is one of the most effective ways of learning. I regularly attend meetups and conferences where I discuss professional topics with colleagues.

Often, I choose events related to the latest technologies in backend development, such as microservices, containerization, cloud solutions, and HighLoad practices.

Finding like-minded people in IT is an important step for career growth. Communicating with colleagues helps solve problems, inspires, and opens new horizons. Great places to find like-minded people:

— educational institutions, offline courses: real-life meetings help build connections
— work colleagues: joint work facilitates the exchange of experience
— communities and platforms: Telegram groups for discussions on technologies and courses
— GitHub: participation in open-source projects
— Reddit: thematic communities for programming.

Look for people who share your interests and learn from each other.

Where I spend my free time

I try to spend my free time in the company of my family. My wife and I attend cultural events such as exhibitions, classical music concerts, as well as painting and pottery masterclasses. I also prefer to relax in nature, for example, walking in the park to recharge and relieve stress after workdays or going to the mountains. In the evening, I often read—both technical literature and books that help broaden my horizons. I exercise three times a week and maintain a healthy diet.

It is difficult to find free time, considering all the above. Isn't it? But after completing each stage of work, I always plan for rest and often go on trips. For me, this is an important procedure that helps me recharge and maintain life balance.

Although I am an IT specialist, I often find distraction in media. I enjoy shooting videos and doing video editing. In the past, I spent a lot of time on editing and professionally mastered Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro programs. I also frequently use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. I find it interesting how a whole action scene can be created from ordinary video or a blank layer.

Additionally, I love reading, learning languages, listening to podcasts, and watching videos on YouTube, especially those related to architecture and solving complex problems, as well as time management.

Where to buy what

Regarding the choice of a personal computer, I have never been attached to a specific model. I have successfully worked on both ASUS devices and MacBooks with macOS. However, Apple products are my priority due to their ecosystem, which provides excellent integration between devices. I usually buy equipment through official brand websites. This way, I avoid the risk of encountering counterfeits or unreliable sellers. Modern logistics allows for delivery in just five to seven days, making the purchase convenient and fast.

As for style, I do not limit myself to one choice in clothing. My wardrobe can include both tracksuits and elements of semi-formal style. Among the brands I prefer are Zara, H&M, Reebok, Wans, as well as local manufacturers Terra Pro and JUST, which offer quality and comfortable items.