[nicpottier]

Ok, this one is a bit funny, but I swear, one of the movies I think everybody should watch and take to heart is "Yes Man".

I know, I know, you are thinking WTF, Jim Carrey is the messiah? (no that's Bruce Almighty)

But it illustrates an important point, a point that I think software engineers are far too likely get trapped into because of our particular makeups. Which is that risk, spontaneity, just going for it, is what life is all about. And the crazy situations those experiences put you in will make you a richer person, both figuratively and literally.

The quote from the article about the party pretty much nails it. Just go with it, say yes to most everything, stop over thinking and go for it.

[say_]

The usefulness of this kind of advice depends on the context. Someone who is in a rich environment for new experiences and opportunities, like college, would benefit from not over thinking. On the other hand, someone who is trying to get into college needs to be very discriminating in order to avoid the pitfalls of bad information(from parents, counselors, advocates for various for profit schools, etc) or short term temptations.

Also, I have to nitpick the party example:

“Unlucky people miss chance opportunities because they are too focused on looking for something else. They go to parties intent on finding their perfect partner, and so miss opportunities to make good friends. They look through the newspaper determined to find certain job advertisements and, as a result, miss other types of jobs. Lucky people are more relaxed and open, and therefore see what is there, rather than just what they are looking for.”

What about the people who go into something knowing what they want, and end up getting it? Too often the final judgement of a decision is made after the situation is resolved, with the benefit of perfect information, and not the limited information the person actually had.

[hboon]

I like the movie very much. In other words, be more open and spontaneous and it can help you break out of a rut and have fun in the process.