Jesús Burgos Maciá

Set the bar reasonably high


For the first time, I want to write about something totally non-technical. The reason why I started writing this blog was because I wanted to become a better programmer so I think a lot about how to achieve this. In particular, this’ll talk about self-development.

Have you noticed how we often become better at something when we overcome a challenge? It’s natural in life to face a difficulties, they put us in pain for a while but in any of them we grab one or two lessons so we come out stronger.

Dog solving a problem

But what happens when your life is exempt of significant problems. Well, I think then you should be worrying because you’re getting unused to learn. Sooner or later, the problems are going to come and then you’ll have to change but you may not be prepared for it, you’ve been having a convenient life for too long. You’re suffering atrophy.

While I think resting is super important, resting too much isn’t good. To avoid the atrophy we should try to keep always challenging ourselves.

Being comfortable is a luxury that should be enjoyed, it’s tempting to settle there, but it’s better to move on and keep pushing the boundaries of our comfort zone.

And there’re some lessons that you’re going to have to learn anyway. You can learn them the hard way, but learning during good times is better because:

  • You won’t be in pressure so you’re more likely to enjoy it.
  • You’ll be less likely to face serious problems just because you’re in better shape.

It’s hard to push yourself when you don’t really need to, and maybe some people around you won’t understand it. But it’s actually a good thing.

Not only is better because your achievements will be more ambitious, but it’s also easier in the long term. Probably, it takes way more effort to achieve the same goals when the situation is overwhelming.

A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood.

George S. Patton

I’m sharing this in the hope that it’ll help others. But also I’m making myself a promise that I will keep challenging myself, in all facets of life, always pushing harder.

Lastly, the best part about sharing an opinion is to open discussion so please tell me what you think in the comments.