Kanjun Qiu

Maintenance tasks in our life and in our projects are usually very clear-cut. They seductively offer a clear problem and a clear solution. The structure-seeking part of or brain loves this and will endlessly procrastinate important ambiguous tasks in favour of taking these on.

When we are pulled into this game we usually think: “let me just check... See more

The idea that we can create good output by doing things The Right Way or The Cool Wayis a lie , and this lie shifts our focus far away from the real, ambiguous task of trying to create something good.

The easiest cure for Learning Syndrome is to adopt an attitude of just-in-time learning: start your project, using any step you can conceivably make, and then only learn whatever you need to take step number two.

You cannot let the haters get you down. It’s not just an issue of emotions. If the haters bother you, you may find yourself writing for them rather than for your allies. No!

For example, say you’ve decided that schools should stop serving lunch. (Why? I don’t know why.) When making your case, you may find yourself tempted to add little asides like,... See more

every day you spend completely absorbed in the fantasy games, is another day you could have used in learning how to ride the real rollercoaster better.

If a moment of inspiration strikes and I have not completed my ritual, I just let it take me. That’s the most important part.