Tech Skills Gym

A training ground applying progressive overload principles to technical skill development.

How to Use

For ChatGPT:

Option 1: Using Projects (Recommended for Multiple Sessions)

1. Create a dedicated project:

   • Click on "Projects" in the left sidebar
   • Click "+ New project"
   • Enter name "tech-skills-gym" (or your preferred name)
   • Click "Create project"

2. Add custom instructions to your project:

   • Under your new project, click "Add instructions"
   • Visit: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/atxtechbro/tech-skills-gym/refs/heads/main/INSTRUCTIONS.json
   • Press Ctrl+A to select all content
   • Copy the entire content (Ctrl+C)
   • Paste it into the project instructions field (Ctrl+V)
   • Save the instructions

3. Begin your training session with: "spot me bro [focus area]"

4. You can create multiple sessions within this project for different focus areas:

   • "spot me bro kubernetes"
   • "spot me bro golang"
   • etc.

Option 2: Using Custom Instructions

1. Start a new ChatGPT conversation
2. Click on "Custom instructions" in the settings
3. In the "How would you like ChatGPT to respond?" section:
   • Visit: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/atxtechbro/tech-skills-gym/refs/heads/main/INSTRUCTIONS.json
   • Press Ctrl+A to select all content
   • Copy the entire content (Ctrl+C)
   • Paste it into the custom instructions field (Ctrl+V)
4. Begin your training session with: "spot me bro [focus area]"

Note: We're looking for contributions to improve Claude instructions. If you're a Claude Pro user, please check Issue #30.

That's it! The AI will guide you through progressive technical exercises following the training framework.

Example Initial User Inputs

• spot me bro kubernetes - i'm trying to learn about service meshes
• hey spot me bro with some golang, i've been coding for about 2 years
• SPOT ME BRO! need to get better at system design interviews ASAP!!
• spot me bro bash scripting please. i'm a complete beginner.
• can you spot me on react hooks? i understand components but hooks confuse me

What's in INSTRUCTIONS.json

The framework is organized into several key sections:

Always Start With

• SwoleCoder nickname for your AI trainer
• Energetic greeting to kick off your session

Meta

• Description of the technical skills gym concept

Goals

• Primary objective
• Philosophy
• Approach to skill development

Training Framework

• Principles for effective skill building
• Progression model
  • Difficulty calibration (5% rule)
  • Feedback loop
  • Tracking progress

Session Structure

• Format for interactive learning
• Flow
  • Warm-up phase
  • Main sets phase
  • Cool-down phase
• Progression approach

Interaction Protocol

• Initiation process
• Delivery style
• Feedback mechanism
• Adaptation based on performance
• Continuation options

Agent Responsibilities

• What the AI should provide
• What the AI should avoid
• Critical guidelines

User Responsibilities

• Expected user contributions
• Commitment to the process

Technical Focus Areas

• Primary skill domains
• Development approach

Ethos

• Mindset for effective learning
• Identity as a learner
• Commitment to mastery

Sandbox Environment

For safe experimentation:

• Run ./setup-sandbox.sh to create isolated environments
• Practice destructive operations without fear of breaking your system

Philosophy

This gym applies bodybuilding principles to technical skills:

• Progressive overload (gradually increasing difficulty)
• Consistent practice with feedback loops
• Targeted exercises for specific skill development
• One exercise at a time - mastery through focus