I think you’re right and I appreciate this post a lot. You described a lot of experiences I’ve had but your random walk example is something I’ll remember for a long time. Just as I should do more favors for my future self, I should have more faith in my past self.
“Finishing things” is a skill I would love to get better it. It’s difficult because most of my internal motivation for projects come from the first 60% − 90% of it, but almost all of the social or external rewards come from finishing the thing (and the long tail of chores in the last 1% − 5%). So I end up doing a lot of “internally impressive” things, but having nothing to show for it (unreleased compositions, unused skills/knowledge, etc).
There are many benefits I’m missing out on from not having faith in past me and pushing through the last few steps. Thank you for making me think about that.
I think you’re right and I appreciate this post a lot. You described a lot of experiences I’ve had but your random walk example is something I’ll remember for a long time. Just as I should do more favors for my future self, I should have more faith in my past self.
“Finishing things” is a skill I would love to get better it. It’s difficult because most of my internal motivation for projects come from the first 60% − 90% of it, but almost all of the social or external rewards come from finishing the thing (and the long tail of chores in the last 1% − 5%). So I end up doing a lot of “internally impressive” things, but having nothing to show for it (unreleased compositions, unused skills/knowledge, etc).
There are many benefits I’m missing out on from not having faith in past me and pushing through the last few steps. Thank you for making me think about that.