"I Don't Get It"
OK, so yesterday my sister asked how the iPhone stuff is going, and I probably gave her more of an answer than she was looking for. You know when someone just says “hey, how ya doin’?” out of habit, and before you know it you’re just unloading all your baggage on them and they didn’t see it coming. Ya, that’s kinda what I did.
You see, the honest truth is that it’s not going so well. I’ve been working hard since I got back from my iPhone studio, and frankly it’s been a struggle. There have been a couple of nights in particular where I’ve just been at my whit’s end. I try and try and try to get some small, insignificant part of the program to work and it just won’t. No matter what I do, I can’t figure it out, and it makes me upset. I’ve had to lean on my friend Chris (@invalidname) and some iPhone studio alumni for help more than once. I just don’t get it! But I really want to get it! Arrggghh!
I’ve had serious doubts about whether or not I’m cut out for this stuff (programming, I mean). There’s a lot that goes into developing an iPhone app, and I’m learning that programming the logic might be one of the least enjoyable parts for me. I really think programming is a natural ability, and you’ve either got it or you don’t. Like being athletic.
Let me be clear that I haven’t given up. While my brain may not function at higher levels like the guys at CocoaHeads, I still think I can program an app on my own. I just have to be like the guy on the football team who has to work twice as hard to keep up with the other players who are naturally more talented.
I really love the iPhone as a platform, and I thoroughly enjoy the development community I’ve become a small part of. This is WHERE I want to be, but programming isn’t exactly WHAT I want to do. I want to learn the programming side of iPhone development because it will round out my skill set, but it’s not the activity I’m best suited for. I’m learning that I’m happier when I do the things that I’m naturally gifted at: vision, planning, designing, project management, marketing, etc.
So if you think of it…pray for me. Then do me another favor and let me know how I can pray for you. Thanks!
Hey Scott, keep it up and don’t get discouraged! I have had this experience many times, but if you have determination and faith, you will overcome, and you will learn, and you will be the better for it. I am actually working on the BCCS website and I neglected my family last weekend to get it done, but I had a frustrating weekend involving a “don’t get it” situation, and made very little progress. Now I still have to finish it and have more pressure to spend time with the family not to mention work pressures. So I suppose that’s my prayer request, that I can turn that out (soon) and still have time for my family!
Don’t forget time with your family!
Thanks a lot for the encouragement, Lyle. Sorry to hear that you had a tough weekend, but it reassuring to know that I’m not the only one who’s pulling his hair out in front of a computer on the weekends : D
Family time is a big priority for me. I try really hard to balance this stuff. I don’t usually work at it until Micah is asleep, and I try to alternate nights. If I work on a weekend I try to make sure it’s only for a few hours here and there, and not every weekend.
I think time pressures contribute a lot to the frustration. You know you can only budget so much time, so when you sit down to work you want to make the most of it. But when things don’t go your way it’s easy to get flustered.
I also probably put to much pressure on myself to produce good end results quicker than is realistic. I can code xhtml, css and JavaScript blindfolded, but this is a different animal. I can’t expect to work as quickly.
Thanks for sharing your prayer request. I’ll certainly bring it to the Lord!
If you’re stuck on any CSS stuff for the BCCS site let me know. See ya!
Hey man, stick with it you will get through this trial. You have a ton of potential and I really think this is all part of the process. Going through this JavaScript book you showed me has been a bit overwhelming at times (wish I would have payed more attention in algebra…) but I really feel it takes a few mistakes and frustrating nights to get through to the fruitful part of programming. You will be in my prayers as you go forward!
Thanks Dan,
Deep down I know you’re right. I’ve been encouraged this week by people like you who are saying the same things you are.
I’ll pray for your JavaScript studies. Don’t worry about algebra. Most of what you’ll need JS for at MS is manipulating the DOM, and math will only come into play on occasion. You’ll get it! It’s easy to forget that I had to pay my dues with that language like I have to do with this one. There were PLENTY of late nights with JS and pulling my hair out. I actually have MORE of a “support” system with Cocoa than I did with JS, so I really am blessed. I look forward to lending you that kind of support with JS as you need it. Have a good weekend bro!