One Step Back, Two Steps Forward: Gaining a Fresh Perspective on My Project

Over the weekend, I found myself facing a problem that seemed insurmountable. I could have stubbornly persisted for days on end, after all it was a long weekend, but instead, I chose to follow some wise advice I recently got and step away. I decided to indulge in gaming, take a long nap, and immerse myself in a few chapters of an enthralling crime novel. Although these activities may appear unrelated to my current project, they surprisingly offered me a fresh perspective.

First and foremost, I came to the realization that one of the primary reasons for feeling stuck was my lack of a clear understanding of the end goal. It may be somewhat embarrassing to admit, but there are a few areas where I struggle to articulate my thoughts coherently. Therefore, my primary objective upon returning to work after the weekend will be to go back to the drawing board and define my goals meticulously. This process will involve setting the overarching project objective and breaking it down into specific component goals.

Secondly, I've realized that I have been overly rigid in adhering to my original plan. Whenever I find myself overwhelmed, it's essential for me to take a step back and question the necessity of each task. This approach is not about evading challenges; rather, it's a way for me to discern how to best allocate my time and effort. By distinguishing between what is nice to have and what is truly essential, I can alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed and determine the next steps more effectively.

Lastly, and certainly not of lesser importance, I have embraced the "test first" principle as my ally. It's akin to playing in a sandbox, where I have the freedom to experiment without the fear of breaking anything. By exploring various approaches before committing to the ones that prove effective, I can unlock my creativity and discover innovative solutions.

The day I spent away from coding has provided me with valuable insights. I now understand the significance of clarifying my goals, adapting my plans, and adopting a testing mindset. These newfound realizations will undoubtedly guide me as I tackle my project with a fresh perspective.