Leo Riviera
The Cult of Done: My Journey to Becoming a Maker
#1about 4 minutes
The existential crisis of a software engineer
Feeling lost and stagnant in a software career leads to a search for a new identity as a "maker."
#2about 3 minutes
Defining what it means to be a maker
A maker is anyone who creates something from nothing using their unique point of view, regardless of skill level.
#3about 4 minutes
The three states of being: not knowing, action, completion
Breaking down large projects into clear states of not knowing, action, and completion makes the creative process manageable and exciting.
#4about 1 minute
Letting go of perfection to enable iteration
Becoming less attached to your creations allows you to accept "good enough" and iterate faster by learning from each attempt.
#5about 5 minutes
Reframing failure as a part of the process
Treating failure as a form of "done" transforms it from a reflection of personal inadequacy into a valuable learning experience.
#6about 3 minutes
The value of direct experience over advice
True understanding comes from doing the work yourself, and sharing your project too early can dilute your creative vision.
#7about 1 minute
Done is the engine that drives more creation
Completing projects builds momentum and compounds your skills, enabling you to tackle bigger and more ambitious work.
#8about 3 minutes
Separating your identity from your creative output
The most important lesson is that you are more than what you create, which allows making to be a tool for self-discovery rather than self-definition.
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