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The Positive Programmer

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Re: The Positive Programmer

#21

Post by russelluresti »

davidroberts wrote: post #14
russelluresti wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I find that people who tackle problems are those who are never quite satisfied. Even after solving a problem, they put it in their rear view and switch to the next problem to solve. There's always more work to be done. I guess it depends on the depth of your compulsion.

I think you are confusing a problem-solver with a perfectionist. One solves problems because he or she enjoys it. The other because they live in a world that will never match an ideal they hold. The second is doomed to misery no matter what, and I think that is what the OP was saying he moved away from by focusing on the positive.

Or we just have different definitions of what a problem solver is. I define a problem solver as someone who, once taking note of something they identify as a "problem", feels a compulsion to solve said problem. Someone who identifies problems as inherently wrong and solvable. Your definition may be more lax than mine.

Also, I don't think he talked about moving away from perfectionism. He talked about moving away from "how unfair things were, how I deserved more, how other people were causing problems for me, and how I was vastly superior to everyone else." That isn't being a perfectionist, that's being a prat.

Re: The Positive Programmer

#22

Post by miloshadzic »

russelluresti wrote: post #16
miloshadzic wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't think being positive implies that you're looking the other way when a problem appears. I've noticed recently that my twitter stream is filled with programmers complaining about things not working but... they're not solving them.

The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging that you have a problem, isn't it? Drawing attention to an issue is a huge part in getting it solved.

Sure and I'm not disputing that. It's just that there are some prominent programmers that literally only complain for days on end how nothing works.

Re: The Positive Programmer

#23

Post by tudorconstantin »

Well, there are people plain dumb who needs me to be angry and help them correct their behaviour - they might not even be aware of that yet.

In a more serious manner, drama is one thing that gains attention and strong, opinionated, emotionfull articles are getting attention. Add some mediocrity to the article by choosing a general, unspecialised subject on which everybody is able to express an opinion and that's it, you have a front page article.

Re: The Positive Programmer

#24

Post by stared »

Sure, frustration reduces happiness.

However, many things were created (or fixed) exactly because of frustration (sometimes it is the best motivation for solving real, burning problems, instead of artificial ones).

Likewise, perfectionism is almost always painful for both the person in charge (as things never get perfect) and co-workers, family, etc. But many times the effort is worth it, and afterwards it is better to look back at a masterpiece born in pain, than a slackly and broken thing created in a laid-back way.

Perhaps it is why many creators (both in tech and arts) were depressive, but still able to accomplish a lot (though, sure, it is not a requirement). And sure, it is a matter of balance - one one hand to be able to spot real problems, on the other - still be motivated enough to finish them (spotting but being not able to fix is the worst state of mind, arguably).

Re: The Positive Programmer

#25

Post by pootch »

Im sure I make more money than you ever will, and yet I have worked in places in california where english was not spoken. Where every project was done in russia, or china, or india.

And you say theres nothing to be negative about? Grow up soldier.

Re: The Positive Programmer

#26

Post by kvad »

Whats up Ran!, Great read on a day of bad news. But I agree with Jader201, its hard to be happy even if I'm personally successful. There are so many struggling. Maybe its cause I grew up playing competitive team sports. But seeing so many smart engineers out of work or pushed around is a shame. Its a choice to help others and make their happiness a priory. There are just so many people having a hard time right now. Personally, It hurts to see.

I just cant put blinders on and focus on myself. Wish I could.

Re: The Positive Programmer

#28

Post by groby_b »

Or maybe we complain, to take the example of sexism, because there is a real problem. That needs to be addressed.

And given that the first two items you address are code of conduct & sexism, I can't help but think "Of course a white male programmer wouldn't see an issue with that". To be very clear, not because I think all white males are mean-spirited misogynists. Most of them are pretty nice people, in my experience.

But because being part of the majority blinds people to minority issues. And so, while I agree it's important to keep a positive outlook on life, I suggest that especially for issues that don't affect you directly, you take a deep look if this is really just "negativity", or if there's a real issue lurking beyond that.

And then let's fix them. In a positive way :)

Re: The Positive Programmer

#29

Post by gesman »

jader201 wrote: post #10

> The first (and only) thing that immediately came to mind was that I wanted to be a better person: I wanted to be smarter, more successful, and happy. When I read this, the first thing I thought of is, "Well that's your problem." To me, based on my experiences and what I've read and observed from other people, many people find the most happiness from focusing less on oneself, and focusing more on others. What can I…

True, but for car to move ahead - engine needs to be cleaned first of inner garbage (eliminating emotional pain and replacing negativity with positive personal attitude).

Once engine is clean - the car can move. Forward (aiming to help others) or backwards (trying to please oneself which cause accumulation of inner garbage again).

Re: The Positive Programmer

#30

Post by jader201 »

gesman wrote: post #29
jader201 wrote: post #10

> The first (and only) thing that immediately came to mind was that I wanted to be a better person: I wanted to be smarter, more successful, and happy. When I read this, the first thing I thought of is, "Well that's your problem." To me, based on my experiences and what I've read and observed from other people, many people find the most happiness from focusing less on oneself, and focusing more on others. What can I…

True, but for car to move ahead - engine needs to be cleaned first of inner garbage (eliminating emotional pain and replacing negativity with positive personal attitude). Once engine is clean - the car can move. Forward (aiming to help others) or backwards (trying to please oneself which cause accumulation of inner garbage again).

Oh yeah, I definitely agree with that.

But to me, personal "maintenance" has more to do with introspecting on things are stopping you from moving forward as a person.

Intelligence and success, I think these aren't part of that maintenance. For example, I can think of many people that aren't profoundly intelligent and/or successful, but have a great impact on others, even society, and thus are very happy, positive people.

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