Comment by Steven Ventimiglia on "How often do you usually "smooth sail" when coding?"

I voted for 50% of the time. However, that's while I'm coding something in a language that I've used for over a decade. The brain can only hold so much, and as you get older, it will always seem to be filled to the brim. That's what search engines are for... reference, verification and discovery.

Right now, learning Go - which is officially the first programming language I've decided to deep dive into without fully ever coding in C or Java or a language you'd need to compile - I'd say I'm around 15%-25%, at this point. Completely self-taught in every skill set and never going to college, sometimes it feels like I'm storming the beach at Normandy without a firearm.

Programming, in general, is invigorating, confusing and disappointing - all at once. With new things popping up to accommodate the hyper-acceleration of technology (Moore's Law), it seems impossible if you don't force yourself to focus on something for a few years without getting sidetracked.

I also feel that anyone who claims "All the time..." (unless they were just kidding around) is quite possibly the most egotistical fool you'd ever have the displeasure meeting.

75% is pushing it, as well, however, some of us just grind - and, as someone who teaches private classes - I can honestly say I can meet that level once focused and uninterrupted. I'm extremely self-defamating though, and would rather force myself to evolve within my skill sets than to make an assumption that I'm wonderful at them. lol

Completely self-taught in every skill set and never going to college, sometimes it feels like I'm storming the beach at Normandy without a firearm

Aint that the truth.

Programming, in general, is invigorating, confusing and disappointing - all at once.

Aint that also the truth.

I keep telling myself one day all this struggle will pay off... One day! :)

It's a hard fight, but some things are worth fighting for.

I feel, at the root of it all, if you're a true problem solver, you'll always been looking for trouble (aka "picking fights with code".) It's how we work and gain momentum.

Without problems - honestly - what the f*** would we do? That's the payoff, my friend - one down and one billion to go. It's an endless rabbit hole for those with the bravery to jump right in.

If you're truly dedicated to the art of challenging yourself - it will often be a one way mirror, with those achievements only being seen by those who are interested in watching us. Then, if we're kind enough, we'll be reminded by them of how much we've accomplished.

Part of the reason I spend so much time smooth sailing can be due to repetitive or unchallenging tasks - if somebody's sailing 100% of the time it doesn't mean they're arrogant, but it does suggest they probably aren't learning anything new!

Unfortunately, they will end up being antiquated if that's the path they choose.

Never let your skills be the boss. Always be in command of your skills.

Otherwise that smooth sailing will eventually cause your career to sink like the Titanic.

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