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Reminds me of something I'd see on Oprah. I'm sure it's useful to some people, but this kind of advice -- for want of a better word -- just doesn't do anything

Reminds me of something I'd see on Oprah. I'm sure it's useful to some people, but this kind of advice -- for want of a better word -- just doesn't do anything for me. Perhaps I am too old and jaded.

bprater 18y ago
Wow, I thought that because I was a bit older, I could appreciate it more. If nothing else, everyone should have a zen-like hobby where they can disengage their mind and use their hands. Meditation has some tremendous benefits.
10ren 18y ago
What is your strop? For me, it's physical exercise. And, concrete coding (as opposed to reading specs, designing, modeling or proving). It's easier for me to not do them than to do them, but I'm always amazed at how refreshing they are.
- sctb 18y ago
  My strop is a strop, and I use it on my razor before shaving. Coincidentally, the practice of straight razor shaving tends to put me in a state of relaxation and reflection that has a positive impact on the rest of my day.
  - wernerv0nbraun 18y ago
    yes a strop is more meaningful on a delicate foil-like edge of a straight than something like a chisel shaving with a straight is a real challenge and fun. it also teaches you to chill out, relax, and pay attention. one slip of the wrist and...
- bl00m 18y ago
  Long hot shower
jacobscott 18y ago
I suspect that the delivery is probably the problem for you, rather than the content. To me, the core of it reduces to: * If you disengage your brain periodically (e.g., get enough sleep, have fun, etc) you will find you work better * Occasionally one should look at their life on a macro-level, and evaluate their long term goals I don't think many people would disagree with this advice, it is pretty common sensical.
- axod 18y ago
  precisely. It's ridiculously obvious common sense wrapped up in a parable. I guess if that floats your boat though :/
  - deleted 18y ago
    [deleted]
TrevorJ 18y ago
This article made me realize how much the internet has changed our expectations of what makes a good analogy. I seemed almost odd to base an analogy on an actual, physical process as low tech and fundamental as carving. I'm more used to hearing abstract qasi-buzzword laden analogies built on some ethereal technology illustration. Here's to returning the the real world in our online literature.

Reminds me of something I'd see on Oprah. I'm sure it's useful to some people, but this kind of advice -- for want of a better word -- just doesn't do anything for me. Perhaps I am too old and jaded.

bprater 18y ago

Wow, I thought that because I was a bit older, I could appreciate it more. If nothing else, everyone should have a zen-like hobby where they can disengage their mind and use their hands. Meditation has some tremendous benefits.

10ren 18y ago

What is your strop? For me, it's physical exercise. And, concrete coding (as opposed to reading specs, designing, modeling or proving). It's easier for me to not do them than to do them, but I'm always amazed at how refreshing they are.

sctb 18y ago
My strop is a strop, and I use it on my razor before shaving. Coincidentally, the practice of straight razor shaving tends to put me in a state of relaxation and reflection that has a positive impact on the rest of my day.
- wernerv0nbraun 18y ago
  yes a strop is more meaningful on a delicate foil-like edge of a straight than something like a chisel shaving with a straight is a real challenge and fun. it also teaches you to chill out, relax, and pay attention. one slip of the wrist and...
bl00m 18y ago
Long hot shower

jacobscott 18y ago

I suspect that the delivery is probably the problem for you, rather than the content. To me, the core of it reduces to: * If you disengage your brain periodically (e.g., get enough sleep, have fun, etc) you will find you work better * Occasionally one should look at their life on a macro-level, and evaluate their long term goals I don't think many people would disagree with this advice, it is pretty common sensical.

axod 18y ago
precisely. It's ridiculously obvious common sense wrapped up in a parable. I guess if that floats your boat though :/
- deleted 18y ago
  [deleted]

TrevorJ 18y ago

This article made me realize how much the internet has changed our expectations of what makes a good analogy. I seemed almost odd to base an analogy on an actual, physical process as low tech and fundamental as carving. I'm more used to hearing abstract qasi-buzzword laden analogies built on some ethereal technology illustration. Here's to returning the the real world in our online literature.