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Probably when you have to try NOT to do something...? Like at this point, I would have to try not to play guitar. Or try not to program and experiment with de

by chubot 11y ago

Probably when you have to try NOT to do something...? Like at this point, I would have to try not to play guitar. Or try not to program and experiment with designs for systems software. But I am trying TO start a business as well. It doesn't come as naturally. I like the idea of making money independently... and I actually DO like satisfying customers. But so far not enough to give it a real concerted effort. (I have a good job otherwise). EDIT: Although I will admit I had to reach a certain level of competency at guitar and programming before I stopped needing to force myself to continue... you do have to sweat it out first. I think what YC is doing is good because they're providing the equivalent of free online guitar lessons... definitely better than nothing (for the motivated).

nickpinkston 11y ago
"when you have to try NOT to do something" - I think that's a nice litmus test for it
- rchaud 11y ago
  Even that test has limits though. Competive gamers all start off playing hours of video games a day, but playing competitively means sacrificing fun for grueling practice, formulaic tactics and very little experimentation; basically all the fun is sucked out of it. Theres a moment in the show "Silicon valley" when a programmer looks at an Agile deliverables chart and says "This just became a job". I think that would be the test. Can you endure the drudgery of daily grind and constant challenges and still want to go through with it? You won't know unless you try.
- epalmer 11y ago
  I think that works some but for me it has been messier than that. I think self reflection and friendly peer feedback helps. Also some personality assessments help. I have found that "Strengths Finder" has helped me in my career find a place that is satisfying and where I can be extremely competent. As a ADHD with Dyslexia I had to slog through the boredom of the growing my skills till I was competent in programming. I also try to see if I am in the flow with hobbies or work, But being competent enough to be in the flow takes a lot of skills before you get there. I have two girls that seem to understand well what their are meant to do both for hobbies and work. We practiced a lot of self-reflection with them when they were growing up and both have strong feedback loops with people they trust. But it is messy. Maybe that is what we are meant to do. That is find out what we are meant to do. Kind-of meta.

by chubot 11y ago

nickpinkston 11y ago

"when you have to try NOT to do something" - I think that's a nice litmus test for it

rchaud 11y ago
Even that test has limits though. Competive gamers all start off playing hours of video games a day, but playing competitively means sacrificing fun for grueling practice, formulaic tactics and very little experimentation; basically all the fun is sucked out of it. Theres a moment in the show "Silicon valley" when a programmer looks at an Agile deliverables chart and says "This just became a job". I think that would be the test. Can you endure the drudgery of daily grind and constant challenges and still want to go through with it? You won't know unless you try.
epalmer 11y ago
I think that works some but for me it has been messier than that. I think self reflection and friendly peer feedback helps. Also some personality assessments help. I have found that "Strengths Finder" has helped me in my career find a place that is satisfying and where I can be extremely competent. As a ADHD with Dyslexia I had to slog through the boredom of the growing my skills till I was competent in programming. I also try to see if I am in the flow with hobbies or work, But being competent enough to be in the flow takes a lot of skills before you get there. I have two girls that seem to understand well what their are meant to do both for hobbies and work. We practiced a lot of self-reflection with them when they were growing up and both have strong feedback loops with people they trust. But it is messy. Maybe that is what we are meant to do. That is find out what we are meant to do. Kind-of meta.