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> I have notice this a lot with math.I will work on a problem and then a Google search later reveals that the problem is not only completely solved It seems to

> I have notice this a lot with math.I will work on a problem and then a Google search later reveals that the problem is not only completely solved It seems to me that you're letting yourself be paralyzed by something that really has no bearing here. You will note that the article does not say "solve a hard math problem first and best". It says "do something with your hands and your feet". The two are not comparable.

stinkytaco 10y ago
It seems like a good example of the described problem, however. I could also attempt to make a table, and I will conclude that I have seen many better tables made, which could make me feel bad. The hard part is letting go of being the best, or even succeeding, in my opinion. It's cliche, but the attempt is what matters. If you run a marathon to win it, you will almost certainly be disappointed; but if you run it to be a better runner, to be healthier, or simply to say you did, you will be happier having done it than having not done it because you know you won't win.
- alkonaut 10y ago
  Pick a subject without much difficult craftsmanship or creativity. One where you can just execute. Grow carrots. You won't worry about there being larger or nicer looking carrots grown by others. I restore old bikes. It's easy mechanically, cheap, and projects are short enough to never be overwhelming (unlike e.g a car project). It's a nice analog change from computers.
  - stinkytaco 10y ago
    Actually, I do garden and have a hobby car (which probably frustrates me more than it makes me happy). But you've obviously never seen a gardening competition. People absolutely worry about growing bigger and nicer looking carrots.
    - theseatoms 10y ago
      Comparison is the thief of joy. :)
  - TheOneTrueKyle 10y ago
    Yeah, carrots are hard to grow. Saying they are easy are going to make people feel even shittier when they try

stinkytaco 10y ago

It seems like a good example of the described problem, however. I could also attempt to make a table, and I will conclude that I have seen many better tables made, which could make me feel bad. The hard part is letting go of being the best, or even succeeding, in my opinion. It's cliche, but the attempt is what matters. If you run a marathon to win it, you will almost certainly be disappointed; but if you run it to be a better runner, to be healthier, or simply to say you did, you will be happier having done it than having not done it because you know you won't win.

alkonaut 10y ago
Pick a subject without much difficult craftsmanship or creativity. One where you can just execute. Grow carrots. You won't worry about there being larger or nicer looking carrots grown by others. I restore old bikes. It's easy mechanically, cheap, and projects are short enough to never be overwhelming (unlike e.g a car project). It's a nice analog change from computers.
- stinkytaco 10y ago
  Actually, I do garden and have a hobby car (which probably frustrates me more than it makes me happy). But you've obviously never seen a gardening competition. People absolutely worry about growing bigger and nicer looking carrots.
  - theseatoms 10y ago
    Comparison is the thief of joy. :)
- TheOneTrueKyle 10y ago
  Yeah, carrots are hard to grow. Saying they are easy are going to make people feel even shittier when they try