What does pragmatic thinking mean? It’s not just about being practical instead of theoretical. It’s about gaining a better sense of reality, which can be incredibly empowering. Theory is crucial, as it mentally represents the concepts needed to approach new learnings or any given problem. But a practical approach, with its focus on reality, can lead to more enlightened solutions.
Always consider the context.
Andy Hunt
Pragmatic Thinking And Learning
How often have you spent weeks, months, or even years thinking about your killer app’s ‘perfect’ design? Or debating with a coworker about a change of a configuration value for hours, citing references, and hypothesizing about possible outcomes? Even in your personal life, how often have you spent more than enough time thinking about how your living room would look by moving that sofa to the other wall? Instead of carrying the burden of these thoughts, be pragmatic and practical. Move that sofa and feel the liberation of seeing what it looks like!
As important as logical thinking is in software development, developers like us are encouraged to utilize creative thinking. Combining these two types of thinking can lead to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of the problem at hand. Drawing mind maps is a great way to tap into your creative logical thinking. Another way is going for a walk or simply lying down and stretching. Doing so gives us new perspectives when approaching problems, which, combined with our logical thinking, helps us find solutions that otherwise wouldn’t come to our thoughts.
Learning isn’t done to you; it’s something you do.
Andy Hunt
Pragmatic Thinking And Learning
Above is a condensed takeaway I summarized from reading the book “Pragmatic Thinking & Learning” by @andyHunt. Although it was published in 2008, it can be read as if it were published yesterday. It offers techniques to help readers engage their creative inner selves and insightful advice on general software development. I greatly enjoyed reading the chapter about drawing and meditations; thus, I started to apply those concepts to my daily life, feeling inspired and motivated!