Ask HN: Your primary source of inspiration? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Your primary source of inspiration?

11 pointspizza12 comments

Gah, I feel like I know Python 2.6.2 enough to make something I'm proud of, but I lack so much inspiration it's fairly pathetic.

Thus, HN, where is your prime source of inspiration?

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What would you do more of on the web if it didn't take so long, and wasn't such a hassle?

Now make it fast and easy.

That was an exceptional comment. I just felt I needed to tell you that.

Find something that is pathetic and make a good version of it.

Find something that you feel should be done and do it.

I recall reading somewhere that the best way to find problems is to act like a brat and complain about everything, write down your complaints and start working on the first one you feel needs to be done.

Learning. Even when building, I'm mostly inspired by the possibility of learning. Because usually the first time you built it kind of crooked. The next time it'll be a little straighter. The next time perhaps there will even be a touch of elegance in one miniscule part.

I find programming very much like practicing an instrument. There's the dim hope that one day you'll master it. But trying your best and learning is more than satisfying/inspiring for me anyway.

inspiration? or motivation?

I find that inspiration mostly makes me daydream of all the wonderful things I'm "going to do".

I find I usually need motivation to get them done. I find that precursors to motivation, for me, are be happy and get a good nights sleep.

[EDIT] let me add more to the "be happy" issue. It doesn't well describe things. Software is never "finished". One technique I have learned to coupe with this un-motivating feel of something never being done is to find simple things that give me pleasure that have a fixed ending. For dinner tonight I made a tasty hand crafted sandwich. It took 10 minutes to make and 10 to eat. I enjoyed it and felt satisfaction for a job well done. Then I went back upstairs and was productive. Some people find jogging or other exercise a great method. It has a clear ending and you feel good.

Anytime I hear a friend whine or experience a major inconvenience, I am inspired to find a solution:)

I rarely succeed. But most recently I hopped across my new startup idea through this process.

Making things that are beautiful, fun, and other people enjoy. Currently I'm making a game and taking my time with the artwork, sounds etc to make it as enjoyable as possible.

My prime source of inspiration is promising other people I am going to do something cool really soon. Then I feel obligated which forces me to become inspired.

That's more motivation or responsibility than inspiration. But I use that technique too and it does work in many cases.

I find a lot of inspiration from other really well built apps. Often finding something that somebody has clearly done RIGHT motivates me to do the same.

If you ignore the pomposity, http://www.ted.com can be wonderful.

Work.

The software sucks so bad, I know I can do better.

And I have.

And I will continue to.

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