As we all grow, learn and change, we usually are looking to improve. We become more proficient, we become more professional, or it might be just that we learn how to do something a little better. Then, over time, we incorporate these practices into our lives, and often they become habits. We might continue to fine-tune them, but often we will just adopt them and move on. Especially when working fast.
One of the “features” of being a web developer is moving quickly (it’s not a bug, it’s a feature). Thinking on your toes is a skill, some of us are better than others, but no matter what, in this industry, you will encounter crisis mode. You are forced to make decisions, and then act on them. Sometimes before that first cup of coffee, so they might not be the best decisions. Or worse, your brain thinks it’s the best decision ever! So you act on it and decide to do it that way in the future. Forever. Because obviously you thought of it, and you are a genius.
And then one day you read some new information. Or someone shows you something. Or you code yourself into a corner, because the criteria have changed. Or you are in the bathroom, you slip and fall, and figure out how to time travel. You realize that you have been making decisions based on bad information – maybe for years.
I call this the “everything you know is wrong” moment. Sometimes you can slap yourself on the forehead with a resounding “D’oh” and move on. But sometimes it’s really hard to face. Even when you realize it yourself. I had this happen a couple times on a recent project. So what do you do?
First, at least for me, there’s a degree of argument, frustration and wounded pride. One thing is I believe in my own ability, and another is that it’s hard to change sometimes. I resist. And then I get overwhelmed with new trains of thought and possibilities, because I’m conflicted. “Everywhere I’ve implemented this is going to break!” That sort of thing.
Here are a few things I’ve learned:
- Be open-minded – The first and hardest one. Take a deep breath. Stand up for a minute and stretch. Relax. Try to visualize the problem without a solution. You want to be open to considering any solution.
- Research – Your new information may be completely correct, the better way to do it, and the correct approach. Or it may only be good for what’s in front of you. Or it may be you skipped lunch and are hallucinating. Go slow. Find multiple references and see what people say. Forums, blogs, and reference sites will help.
- Discuss – Hopefully you have people around you that you trust. Ask them for a couple minutes and discuss it. Get a whiteboard and brainstorm. Even people not in your industry can be helpful. Sometimes more so because they’ll have a fresh view.
- Try – finally, get in there and try it. Prototype a wireframe, bang it out in javascript or put pen to paper. Does it make sense? Again, go slowly. Look at it from different angles.
Finally, make a plan of attack. Sometimes it feels like having the rug pulled out from under you, and it gets overwhelming quickly. What will it take to make changes? What are the changes? Look at the problem, look at the solution, and figure out what is the next step.