The pleasure of getting things done
Scott Adams over on the Dilbert blog has an interesting post where he talks about the please of getting things done, in his example:
The other day I cleaned off the top of my desk. This involved sorting the rubble into mounds that had something in common, and then dealing with each mound. There were bills to pay, records to update, forms to be completed, faxes to be sent, licenses to approve, documents to file, tax issues to unscramble, and on and on.
When I was done, my desk was breathtakingly clear of debris. Gazing at my uncharacteristically pristine work space, a peculiar joy came over me. As I walked from my office back to my home, I felt lighter. There was a bounce to my step. I’m reasonably sure my body was creating extra endorphins.
He went further proposing that:
I think the pleasure of completed work is what makes blogging so popular. You have to believe most bloggers have few if any actual readers. The writers are in it for other reasons. Blogging is like work, but without coworkers thwarting you at every turn
I think he’s spot on, in my case I blog because:
- I can decide the subject
- No one has to review it
- I don’t need to worry too much about the quality – because I’m not being paid
- I don’t need to wait for anyone else’s input
- Sometimes I feel I write about things that others will find useful or interesting
- Often I write about things that I find interesting and writing (and search) mean that I am less likely to forget them
- It’s quick and easy
- The accumulated writings on my blog provide me with a real sense of achievement
- It helps people who know me keep track of my activities, thoughts and interests
Twitter is even quicker and easier – and has most of the same benefits
