“Nothing you can do impresses me”

Post by MrScruff » Sat, Jan 10, 2015, 1:35 PM UTC

Different strokes for different folks.

I've been through the newb->novice->competent->proficient process a few times, and the thing that's kept me going was the goal of reaching proficiency. During the process, I'd always be my own harshest critic, because I'd be acutely aware of all of my weaknesses.

Any praise I'd receive would be rejected, because in my own head the person would be ignoring all of the obvious issues with what I was doing.

I understand that not everyone responds in this way, but personally I think it's easier to succeed when the motivation comes from within, rather than relying on an encouraging environment which ultimately you can't really control.

Post by dhimes » Sat, Jan 10, 2015, 3:35 PM UTC

hyc_symas wrote: post #130

dhimes wrote: post #38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's not just 'this industry.' You'll find people in all professions who try to make themselves look and feel smart by throwing stones at other ideas. Frankly, it can be effective. Non-expert outside observers (sometimes this means managers) can be impressed by such cheap-shot artists. It's easy to criticize, but hard to create; critical responses are the low-hanging fruit of intellectual discourse.

Yes, it's hard to create. But after 35+ years writing software, I haven't just seen it all, I've done it all. This topic is surprisingly well timed for me; just the other day I was reflecting on the fact that most times I'm moved to comment on something, it's sharp criticism. I was wondering if I've just got a massive negative attitude; I would prefer to be more positive in my approach to life. But this is the realit…

Well, I'm not sure the argument applies if you are dealing with fools. Sharp criticism and dismissal is not an unexpected response.

Another common trait of the 'troll' to which I refer is that they often have some lame excuse for not getting their contribution to the project in good order on time- yet they are perfectly willing to stand in harsh judgement of others. The most startling cases I observed were as a faculty member. Professors couldn't be bothered completing their department work on time- but accepted nothing late from students.

The pattern seems to be that these folks are not good at finishing. Big ideas? Sure. But the devil is in the details, and they tend to shoot down others in the details, while if they had to climb the same path they would have never made it themselves.

I don't know much about psychology, but if there is a false arrogance bred from insecurity, then that's what I think I am trying to relate.

Re: “Nothing you can do impresses me”

Re: “Nothing you can do impresses me”