The thing is that the nihilist and optimist are not different persons but different mindsets and that in some circumstances, one or the other is right. Sometim

The thing is that the nihilist and optimist are not different persons but different mindsets and that in some circumstances, one or the other is right. Sometimes, management dooms a project and as a programmer there is only so much you can do to make it forward. Interestingly, poor technical quality does not prevent a project from being commercially successful. Other times, especially at the start of a project, or as a project manager, you have the ability of making it right. Do not pass on it! Have some realistic expectations about how far people will go with recommendations and best practices, but recognize opportunities to improve a design, as they are rare and valuable. tl;dr: be the nihilist 95% of the time, but do not miss the optimist's opportunity that will happen 5% of the time!