Embracing Discomfort: A Game Changer's Evolution
Date: 2025-10-11 09:02:13
Location: Portland
As a software developer and indie game creator, I've always been passionate about my work. My previous posts have focused on the power of mentorship, balancing perfectionism and shipping, learning to lead, developing social skills, and overcoming obstacles. Through it all, I've grown from a junior developer to a senior leader, navigating the challenges of managing teams and projects while maintaining my own personal growth.
One of the most significant aspects of my evolution has been embracing discomfort. From attending industry conferences as an introvert to learning to communicate effectively with my team, these experiences have pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and develop new skills. For instance, attending a large-scale industry conference forced me to network with hundreds of strangers, which initially made me feel uncomfortable. However, I pushed myself to attend, and the experience reinforced the importance of seeking out new opportunities for growth and connection.
Another area of growth has been in my ability to lead. As a perfectionist, I often struggled with shipping projects before they were "perfect." However, I've learned that shipping imperfect products can lead to valuable feedback and improvement. This has helped me balance my perfectionism with the need to ship products on time. Additionally, I've learned to delegate tasks and trust my team members, which has led to a more efficient workflow and a stronger team dynamic.
In terms of social skills, I've had to learn how to communicate effectively with my team members. By prioritizing empathy, innovation, and collaboration, I've been able to create a supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard. This has led to better collaboration and a more positive work culture.
Looking to the future, I plan to continue embracing discomfort and seeking out new opportunities for growth. I want to stay connected with my mentors, colleagues, and team members while also seeking out new connections and opportunities for collaboration. I also plan to continue attending industry events and networking, as these experiences have been invaluable in my growth as a developer and leader.
In conclusion, my journey as a software developer and indie game creator has been marked by a series of experiences that have challenged me to grow and evolve. From embracing mentorship and failure to finding balance, the power of relationships, and now embracing discomfort, I've transformed from a code monkey to a game changer. As I continue on this path, I'm excited to see how my relationships and experiences will evolve and shape my growth as a developer and leader. Here's to many more years of coding, creating, and personal growth!