Comment by mreome | Hacker News Reader

Comment by mreome | Hacker News Reader

Analysis Paralysis. I don't think I have any bigger wasted-time-sink in my life then over analysis/planning/selection.

* Loosing an entire evening trying to find the best library/language/engine/etc for a side project idea, rather then actually getting the idea going.

* Loosing entire days trying to find the best design/structure for a project rather then adding features.

* Loosing hours comparing and reading reviews for trivial purchases.

* Designing and redesigning an idea over and over in my head or on paper, but never getting it started as the design wasn't done/perfect.

* Rewriting a side-project in a new language because it will be faster, more organized, more elegant, etc... rather then actually finishing it and releasing it.

* Waiting for the perfect conditions, weather, time, mood, etc to do something.

I realize this doesn't add to the conversation but, it is losing, not loosing. English is strange. Lose is unable to find (or the opposite of win), you lost your time, you're losing your mind. Loose is the opposite of tighten. Not sure loosing is a word. If you're not tightening it, you're loosening it.

I get what you're saying and I've been there, done that (still there, tbh). But I think there is a balance to strike here: sometimes it is worth spending some time on choosing a better tool/architecture/library because it can save you time/effort/money/mental stability (yes) down the road. As in most endeavors, you've gotta strike a right balance

    Rewriting a side-project in a new language because it will be faster, more organized, more elegant, etc...

I've done that as well, although it wasn't a rewrite per se. It was a great decision and I am glad I made the leap, even though conventional wisdom is to stick with what you know..

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