I was majoring in CS in one collage and doing Business Management in another collage. Both had class that required us to memorise tons of lexical knowledge. For example I had two semesters of Corporate Finances. Lot of formulas (100+) had to be remembered to calculate different KPIs a corporation. I had all these formulas in a notes uploaded to the calculator. If a test questions required one to use, I opened up my notes, looked up the formula and used it. TI-89 was able to use variables, solve equations for different variables and convert units. Using the right shortcuts I just plugged in the numbers. Of course I understood how to apply these formulas, I just didn't have the patience to memorise them. Another class was Psychology. Had to memorise a complete book. No way I would do that. Instead collected notes from friends, organised them, digitised them, created well structured Table of Contents (all took about two days), uploaded to the calculator and used it during tests. You might ask why it was allowed to use a calculator during a Psychology final test? Answer is easy. At those times no teacher could image that notes could be stored in a calculator. TI-89 was just released, hardy available in the EU. So if they saw me playing with the calculator they thought probably the kiddo doesn't know anything and just pushes buttons to spend time.
TI-89 basically saved my ass in collage. Not only that, I was the fourth "best student" in collage based on grade average. I modded the firmware so I was able to upload text docs organised in folders. Text filed had TOC, that made navigation easier. I was also able to search within those files.
If you became fluent using all features of TI-89 (integration, derivation, diff. eqs., shortcut keys etc.) and you had a solid abstract understanding of the subject (which of course required some studying), TI-89 basically got the rest of the job done in minutes. TI-89 was magic.
Try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, BJJ. Best sport for software engineers, because you constantly have to solve hard puzzles. You never have to worry about motivation again to do sports. I started it 6 months ago. I'm still in the very very beginning, but I can't imaging not showing up in class, it is so fascinating. In order to get better I lost ~30 pounds, started eating better, etc. Changed my life.
I used Cinema 4D for years and a few months ago I gave a try to Blender. I have to say I was extremely impressed. I did some digging and it turns out Blender has an amazing product focused management thats main goal is to serve the users. Extremely well executed product management.