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This is an ad for a book, what we used to call a slashvertisement. The strategies suggested are platitudes and boil down to saying stop freaking out about the

This is an ad for a book, what we used to call a slashvertisement. The strategies suggested are platitudes and boil down to saying stop freaking out about the end result when you're just getting started. The strategy that works for me is get a full day of outdoor exercise, but that's just me.

beacon294 3y ago
I noticed this as well. Here's a list I googled with some good books, I am going to try a few more: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/152063.Books_That_Inspire_Creativity https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/152063.Books_That_Inspir...
- artemonster 3y ago
  maybe you have such a list about motivation and purpose?
dailykoder 3y ago
I do think, or maybe that's just how it works for me, that it doesn't really matter what you do, as long as it is something that gets you going, where you don't have to think extensively, which can be anything. - Doing something outdoors (hiking, biking) - Cook my favorite meal (so that I don't have to research anything, but can just start) - Clean the house - whatever The cleaning one is a big meme on some parts of the internet, but for me it does an incredible job. It's easy, you don't have to think much, while it still occupies your brain for some time and in the end you're happy and feel comfortable.
- nicbou 3y ago
  It sounds like meditation with extra steps. At least that's how I describe those same tasks and their effect on my thoughts. Your hands are busy but your brain is left enough space to figure things out. I would add coffee to the mix, and maybe a notebook once the idea starts making sense.
benatkin 3y ago
Good point, but this article is actually pretty good. It's also well suited to HN, because he's suggesting we take advice from painters. You know who else did that? pg https://paulgraham.com/hackpaint.html https://paulgraham.com/hackpaint.html
- Daub 3y ago
  Great recommendation. Thanks. As a painter I take advice from hackers. The clarity and orderlyness of their thinking completely outclasses that of painters and suchlike.
  - throwaway81523 3y ago
    Critical response: https://idlewords.com/2005/04/dabblers_and_blowhards.htm https://idlewords.com/2005/04/dabblers_and_blowhards.htm
    - deleted 3y ago
      [deleted]
dnissley 3y ago
It's actually an excerpt from the book -- may also be an ad, but probably the best kind of ad (free content, try before you buy).
- throwaway81523 3y ago
  I prefer a site without ads, or at least the kind where adblock works.
Daub 3y ago
Nope.not just you. Check out the blog/book Daily Rituals. This lists the creative habits of artists. Running, walking and exercise features high on that list. I believe that there has even been some empirical research done on this phenomenon.
greenie_beans 3y ago
you can download the book on libgen fyi

beacon294 3y ago

I noticed this as well. Here's a list I googled with some good books, I am going to try a few more: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/152063.Books_That_Inspire_Creativity https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/152063.Books_That_Inspir...

artemonster 3y ago
maybe you have such a list about motivation and purpose?

dailykoder 3y ago

I do think, or maybe that's just how it works for me, that it doesn't really matter what you do, as long as it is something that gets you going, where you don't have to think extensively, which can be anything. - Doing something outdoors (hiking, biking) - Cook my favorite meal (so that I don't have to research anything, but can just start) - Clean the house - whatever The cleaning one is a big meme on some parts of the internet, but for me it does an incredible job. It's easy, you don't have to think much, while it still occupies your brain for some time and in the end you're happy and feel comfortable.

nicbou 3y ago
It sounds like meditation with extra steps. At least that's how I describe those same tasks and their effect on my thoughts. Your hands are busy but your brain is left enough space to figure things out. I would add coffee to the mix, and maybe a notebook once the idea starts making sense.

benatkin 3y ago

Good point, but this article is actually pretty good. It's also well suited to HN, because he's suggesting we take advice from painters. You know who else did that? pg https://paulgraham.com/hackpaint.html https://paulgraham.com/hackpaint.html

Daub 3y ago
Great recommendation. Thanks. As a painter I take advice from hackers. The clarity and orderlyness of their thinking completely outclasses that of painters and suchlike.
- throwaway81523 3y ago
  Critical response: https://idlewords.com/2005/04/dabblers_and_blowhards.htm https://idlewords.com/2005/04/dabblers_and_blowhards.htm
  - deleted 3y ago
    [deleted]

dnissley 3y ago

It's actually an excerpt from the book -- may also be an ad, but probably the best kind of ad (free content, try before you buy).

throwaway81523 3y ago
I prefer a site without ads, or at least the kind where adblock works.

Daub 3y ago

Nope.not just you. Check out the blog/book Daily Rituals. This lists the creative habits of artists. Running, walking and exercise features high on that list. I believe that there has even been some empirical research done on this phenomenon.

greenie_beans 3y ago

you can download the book on libgen fyi