From Code to Clarity: What Building Software Taught Me About Building a Life
"You can't connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking back." - Steve Jobs.
Three years ago, I had a dream.
I wanted to be a frontend developer. I thought it was the right amount of difficulty. The potential to earn a six-figure salary was high. However, I read the room all wrong.
Three years later, and yes, I can build a website or web application from scratch, but what does that mean?
When I still have so much to learn.
You're familiar with my goals to write a final first draft of my long-in-development fantasy novel and release a studio album written, produced, mixed, and mastered by yours truly.
Well, in the background, I've also been working on something else, which is the way of the polymath.
In 2027, I would like to release a community website unlike anything anyone has ever seen, but that will require me to learn, in addition to the frontend, the backend, data structures and algorithms, coding best practices, distributed systems, DevOps, and machine learning.
On top of that, I also have to become a UI/UX Designer so I can craft user experiences and user interface elements.
But I know, if I have the design, I can build almost anything.
Nevertheless, that's still a few years away, and I have a lot to learn and a lot to accomplish as a solopreneur-polymath.
Going through all of these projects this past weekend, I realized that the journey is always the best part.
One day, I'll open up access to this top-tier community of like-minded individuals who help each other become the best versions of ourselves. Where you'll be able to share in the journey with people who want to see you succeed. As you make friendships that will last a lifetime.
But in the meantime, all I have is the journey.
Even after that day, there will be things that need to get done and new problems that will need fixing.
But I'll still be on the journey, figuring it out as I go. Making the best choices with what I have available to me. Always aiming upward and onward.
What Coding Taught Me About The Journey
When you're building a piece of software, there are a lot of moving parts and things to account for--just like in life.
It's essential to maintain a bird's-eye view of everything you have going on while also paying attention to the individual trees.
The little goals you have, family, friends, your time spent alone, bills, work, the kids, staying fit, etc.
It's our job to water each tree.
Maybe not every day, but often enough that the forest doesn't lose its splendor.
All while knowing the journey ends when you take your last breath.
I don't say this to scare you, but maybe to inspire you. Don't wait to do the things you've always wanted to do. They are part of your journey for a reason.
Days thinking about it, but never doing it.
Why?
Maybe you're afraid you'll be horrible and it won't be worth it. Or perhaps the opposite is true, and you're so scared of success.
Whatever it is, the moment you really set off on your journey, you'll wish you'd started sooner.
I only speak from experience.
If you're in the middle of the journey, this is what you need to remember: you only miss when you don't try.
Go out there and do the damn thing.
You got this!
I’m so pleased to hear that! I really hate talking about myself, because it’s really about you guys. But I was told I gotta share more about me. So I’m pleased to hear this resonated with you. Thank you so much for your kindness! 🤩🙃
As someone juggling multiple creative dreams too, this resonates so much. The way you frame the journey as both the reward and the challenge is beautifully put. Time moves so fast and it’s amazing how much you’ve grown in only three years. When I look back, I can see the ways the dots connect too. Now I’m journaling, taking yoga classes, painting, meditating…and looking forward to what comes next. All the best to you with your future projects and thank you for an energizing read Idris Elijah!