The “Duct Tape” Lifestyle
Ever heard the phrase “analysis paralysis?” It means exactly what it sounds like: over analyzing something to a point where you take no action. I recently came across on article on this idea from the world of computer programming of all places…My friend Terry Ryan passed along a link to an article titled, “The Duct Tape Programmer”. If you happen to be a computer programmer you should check it out, it’s a good read. If you don’t know the difference between c+ and Password Plus, well, then you may not enjoy or understand the article so much. But there is a lesson there that translates over from the world of computer programming into the world of Motivational Smart Assery…
To sum up, the article says there are programmers who approach coding from an academic perspective and try to write programs that use the newest and theoretically “best” approach, and then there are programmers who just get in there and “bang out code.” The latter are who he calls, “Duct Tape Programmers.”
The academics get stuck over analyzing the approach and never get started. The Duct Tapers roll up their sleeves and get to work. The academics, in their quest for the best solution, create code so complicated code that is more likely to crash. The Duct Tapers use simpler methods that are easier to maintain and more stable.
This is not to say that Duct Tapers don’t think through their code before writing or constantly try to learn and improve themselves. They are simply more considered with getting things done that work well and don’t break.
It is quite possible that you will never write a line of code in your life. However, these ideas apply to any other area of life as well.
Some people are so desperately looking for the perfect solution that they never take action. Others try to follow systems so complicated that they always fall apart. I covered the idea of simplicity vs. complexity in a recent blog post.
Have you ever put off doing a project because you felt the need to create an elaborate organizational system first? Are you avoiding taking a class because you are still (and have been for a while) hunting for a recommendation for the best teacher in the city? Do you ever get paralyzed in a restaurant trying to decide between two items because you are not sure which is the best?
Research, organization, forethought, and planning are all fine things, and should be used. But they need to be balanced with action.
I fall into this trap myself. When I embark on something new, I like to read everything I can about it to come up with the best plan possible. One example of this is working out. I will study up on all the theories of muscle growth and fat loss, read articles on the best heart rate to work out at, and compile info on the most efficient ways to get in shape. Unfortunately, all this information often either leads to an overload where I take no action while trying to figure it out or a fizzling out of the routine as I lose momentum in following a complicated and difficult plan. I would be better off simply following any less than 100% efficient plan and sticking to it.
Studying up to find the best course of action is great. Refusing to do anything until you find the absolute best course of action in lunacy. As the old saying goes, “an ounce action is worth a pound of theory.”
Two questions for you:
- Does your analysis prevent you from starting?
- Does your attempt to do things the “best” way cause you to fail?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may need to start applying a little duct tape to your life…

About
By Avish Parashar. As the world's only Motivational Improviser, Avish uses techniques from the world of improv comedy to engage, entertain, and educate audiences on ideas around change, creativity, and motivation. Connect with Avish on Google+
7 Responses to “The “Duct Tape” Lifestyle”
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So True.
The amount of times i have put off doing a project because because i felt the need to get perfect. I think what it is really is taking massive action.
I think we are all guilty of that some times.
Thanks Sophie! Though I would even say that while “taking massive action” is a great thing, thinking about massive action can lead to its own paralysis. I know I have skipped gym workouts because I “only have 30 minutes” when I had planned on working out for an hour. Massive action is super, but any action is better than none!
Was this your approach to the drain/plumbing issue? 🙂 Sorry, but the smart ass in me usually takes over when I comment. I do agree with you-which, for me, falls under the “better to do something half assed than not at all” category. Which explains my near last place finish in the triathlon. I could have waited for next year when, presumably, I would be faster than a speeding bullet et al. Instead, I chose to just do it and get er done. Works for me. Half assed, maybe. Completed and happy, absolutely. No regrets.
Congratulations on the triathlon, Francesca! That has been on my “life to-do list” for a while. And I hear you, just getting out and doing it and not worrying about where you finished. (I once wrote creenplay that was absluterubbish, but at least I finshed it and sent it off for a contest. I lost.)
I didnot use duct tae for the snake/drain issue, but I did reslve that situation. I think there is a blog post in the works about that whole ordeal..
Avish, the thing I love about your articles is that they get everyone thinking about their own experiences, and looking at them in new ways. You always make me excited to share my own relevant (well, USUALLY relevent, haha) stories.
OK, this one really spoke to me, because I need to be much more of a duct taper! Case in point: My alma mater sent me an offer for discounted renter’s insurance. I talked to the guy on the phone about it, and when he tried to close the deal, I said, “Well, I am not ready to buy yet.” You see, I thought I had to photograph and label all my stuff before I could get the insurance (WRONG), and I was working on a busy project at that time. Well, a few days later, I got robbed. So the next day, with nothing worth insuring anymore, I went out and bought renters insurance… Viva la duct tape! 🙂 Though I guess there is a sales lesson there, too, because he told me all about photographing everything, and he could have closed the deal by inquiring why I wasn’t ready, and uncovering my misconception. Still, totally my own fault.
Wow Amy, that sucks that you got robbed! I am sorry to hear that.
It can be a tough balance to strike between thinking things through all the way and not overanalyzing. I think it just takes lots of practice (and lessons learned!)