Momentum is productivity

Einstein discovered the Simple Theory of Relativity because he’s been thinking hard about the said problem for a long time.

Although the solution came to him as a flash when he’s about to give up, it wouldn’t happen if he hadn’t been bathing his mind with ideas and thought process about the subject.

This goes against our perception of genius. When we think of it as an innate trait that they had since childhood.

We think their ideas just come out from thin air, formulated instantly from their big brain.

The media doesn’t do a good service either. Only the end product is highlighted. Hard work and their years of research are not accounted for.

This manipulates our brain into thinking that success comes by easily.

Focus Mode vs Diffuse Mode

As a developer, my diffuse mode is when I’m in a hammock with a pen and paper. Where I ponder and visualize what I want to achieve.

My focus mode is when I’m coding. Where I test my assumptions and execute what I had visualized.

When I get stuck or faced with difficulty beyond my capacity. I resort back to diffuse mode again and break apart the problem into subdivided tasks. Where I tackle them each until I get the full picture.

It’s a continual discovery throughout.

Some of us may switch project or task when we get stuck on a problem to save billable hours. But this isn’t optimal since you cut your brain’s progress short.

If it’s another problem then we reduce the chances of serendipity happening since now your brain is working on a different context.

Jumping from one project or task to another and distracting yourself only reduces your capacity to work deeply.

Think of it like you’re building your arm muscles. The pain you feel means your brain is trying to size up to match the complexity of the problem you’re trying to solve.

It increases your brain capacity to understand more complex problem. Which then will be helpful in your programmer journey as you progress.

By working every day, you keep your momentum going. You never have time to feel detached from the process. You never forget your place, and you never need to waste time reviewing your work to get back up to speed or reminding yourself what you’ve already done. -Gretchen Rubin


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