I disagree with this. Outstanding programming (outstanding performance at almost anything) involves a flow state where you are doing-the-thing almost unconsciou

I disagree with this. Outstanding programming (outstanding performance at almost anything) involves a flow state where you are doing-the-thing almost unconsciously, but that frees your mind up for meta-cognition reflecting on the bigger picture and concurrently refining the performance of the task. To be an outstanding athlete, you also need to be your own best coach.