Embracing Mediocrity: A Path to Growth and Creativity
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Chapter 1: The Connection Between Programming and Writing
Some time ago, I contemplated writing a post about the surprising parallels between programming and writing. At first glance, they seem quite different, yet both involve creating initial drafts that undergo refinement.
While I initially doubted the value of this idea, I recognized that there is indeed a significant overlap. Both disciplines face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to overcoming obstacles like writer's block.
I drew inspiration from a Medium article that, in my view, inadequately addressed the issue of writer's block by being overly verbose without offering substantial insights. I felt compelled to present a more effective perspective, one that leverages concepts from programming.
In programming, there is a notion referred to as the "cult of clean code." This philosophy insists that code must adhere to strict standards, often leading to an overwhelming number of small classes that complicate maintenance. Ironically, this "clean" code can sometimes be less effective, yet it continues to be endorsed.
A significant consequence of this mindset is "analysis paralysis," where programmers become so fixated on finding the perfect solution that they struggle to write any code at all. While some coding approaches are indeed superior, distinguishing between them often requires experience.
This phenomenon mirrors the challenges faced by writers. The key to overcoming writer's block is simply to start writing. You don’t need to aim for perfection; just putting words on the page can be liberating. I recall watching Ali Abdaal's Google talk, where he emphasizes the importance of accepting mediocrity.
He highlights that a desire for perfection can hinder our progress. Another author, Cal Newport, suggests that a current work only needs to be acceptable; subsequent projects can be refined further.
This perspective resonates deeply. Just as novice programmers may struggle to differentiate good code from bad, beginner writers may fall prey to the traps of analysis paralysis or writer's block. Accepting that initial drafts may not be great is crucial, but the remedy lies in writing more.
Section 1.1: The Value of Imperfection
You might find that even what you perceive as subpar writing can evolve into something worthwhile. Writing often reveals unexpected connections that enrich the content. Sometimes, I start with an idea that seems lackluster, but as I develop it, I uncover new insights that make the piece compelling.
However, there is a caveat: your writing shouldn't be excessively poor. Ali mentions his goal when creating YouTube content is to provide value to at least one person. I appreciate this approach; occasionally, I publish something I initially deem mediocre, only to discover its value. Other times, I choose not to publish something that feels insufficiently valuable.
In the past, I aimed to publish daily, but I soon realized this mindset was too rigid. It’s perfectly acceptable not to post every day. The criteria I use now focus on whether my content could benefit others. This shift in perspective is empowering; it’s not solely about my standards, but about offering value to the audience.
This principle extends beyond writing. Many motivational quotes remind us that perfection can obstruct progress. One saying I find particularly poignant is, "Perfect is never doing anything wrong, which means never doing anything at all."
Section 1.2: The Importance of Progress
The crux of the matter is that we are always evolving. Striving for perfection in the first version of any project is misguided because initial attempts typically leave room for improvement.
Currently, I’m working on localizing my app. Initially, I was fixated on achieving perfection, ensuring every tooltip had detailed definitions and avoiding repeated translations. However, I eventually recognized that the objective of localization is to make the application accessible to users who would otherwise struggle with it.
So, perhaps "subpar" isn't the best term. The key is maintaining clarity about your goals. For Ali Abdaal, it’s about helping at least one person. That’s a commendable aspiration, and if it requires producing something less than perfect, that’s perfectly fine.
Ultimately, with continuous improvement, mediocrity won’t last long. There's a popular piece of self-improvement advice suggesting that you should strive to be 1% better each day. While this may seem unrealistic, it underscores a vital truth: we are all capable of growth. Therefore, embrace mediocrity; it is the stepping stone to improvement.
Why You Should Embrace Mediocrity - Crispin Thurlow discusses the importance of accepting mediocrity in creativity and productivity.
Embracing a life of mediocrity - Crispin Thurlow explores how accepting mediocrity can lead to a more fulfilling and productive life.