DEV Community

Cover image for Programmers always Overthink

Programmers always Overthink

Trinmar Boado on December 11, 2022

Overthinking is a common problem among programmers, especially when faced with complex or challenging tasks. It can lead to frustration, stress, an...
Collapse
 
weaves87 profile image
Andrew Weaver

This is a great list.

I'd like to especially highlight #3 and #4. It's amazing how just talking a problem out with someone who has an alternative perspective sheds so much more light on a problem - even if their comments/suggestions don't lead anywhere, the process around putting a problem into words just seems to activate different parts of the brain.

I actively practice #3 often by "sleeping on it". I'll implement something, then review it after I haven't looked at it in 24 hours. I've caught so many bugs/issues and solved so many tough problems this way!

Collapse
 
trinly01 profile image
Trinmar Boado

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. What topic do you want tackle next?

Collapse
 
lisacee profile image
Lisa Cee • Edited

4 is a big one for me. I can't tell you how many times I have composed a question in Slack, only to figure out the solution as I was writing.

Collapse
 
trinly01 profile image
Trinmar Boado

Thanks Lisa. You are not alone 🥰

Collapse
 
plastikaweb profile image
Carlos Matheu

About perfectionism, I have fallen into it, and I have worked with people with a paralyzing perfectionism.

My idea in these cases is:
think about a year ago, how you worked, what knowledge you had, etc. and compare them with what you currently have. Would you do that project from 1 year ago exactly the same, or do you think you have accumulated new experience that you would apply? You would surely answer yes.
So think that what you do today, surely in a year you would do it even better. Focusing on what you control today, with the certainty that in the future you will do things even better, can help you not get stuck. We don't know everything, and we will always improve, but we and our work will never be "perfect" .

Collapse
 
trinly01 profile image
Trinmar Boado

Thanks bro for sharing your deep thoughts too

Collapse
 
angelabowen profile image
Angie Bowen

Great tips! I like to mind map and just throw all of my ideas out there before I start trying to organize them. It helps me not lose ideas when I'm in the muddle of organization.

Collapse
 
trinly01 profile image
Trinmar Boado

Cool Angie! share it with us too 🥰

Collapse
 
vengateshtr profile image
Vengatesh TR

Good one. Thanks

Collapse
 
trinly01 profile image
Trinmar Boado

Thanks Ven! what future topic do you want to tackle next

Collapse
 
kenramiscal1106 profile image
Ken Daniele Ramiscal

This list is very informative
Thanks for sharing this

Collapse
 
gamerseo profile image
Gamerseo

This is unfortunately true for the most part.

Collapse
 
trinly01 profile image
Trinmar Boado

Agree

Collapse
 
gilfewster profile image
Gil Fewster

Nice, concise description of overthinking/analysis-paralysis. Your suggestions are practical and effective.

Collapse
 
trinly01 profile image
Trinmar Boado

Thanks Gil, what future topic do you want to tackle next?

Collapse
 
mohamed26366036 profile image
Mohamed Abdelsattar

i am still learning and i already overthink

Collapse
 
kamalhossain profile image
Kamal Hossain

Thanks for these reminders.