I generally agree with this, but also disagree with this.
I think being forceful ("you are addicted") about how someone spends their time is the exact opposite of the approach you want to take. Yes, I regret many hours I spent on optimization, trying to do the best thing, trying to improve my productivity. I know that those things prevented me from focusing on what was really important - the so-called yak-shaving can dig you a hole of trying to do things really well.
But at the same time, I genuinely enjoy yak-shaving now. It's pretty fun. I'd say people are more obsessive over stuff than not, but it doesn't seem helpful to call them addicted.
For some people, programming is really fun and good. For others, balance is important. Nobody really can tell you what's important and what's not, except for that very question of importance.
I see people into spirituality and the like trying to force not-forcing on themselves. Being obsessed with work is not the best way forward (and a bit rigid), but also you sometimes have to do it. Sometimes being obsessed is fun and useful and actually gets things done.
I feel like I have toned down my disagreements as I write this comment, because life should really not be about productivity. But sometimes it should be. I in part do regret times that I spent optimizing stuff, but because I went through that, I now appreciate having less intent.
Who knows, maybe someone telling you you're addicted is what gets people to change afterall.
I think being forceful ("you are addicted") about how someone spends their time is the exact opposite of the approach you want to take. Yes, I regret many hours I spent on optimization, trying to do the best thing, trying to improve my productivity. I know that those things prevented me from focusing on what was really important - the so-called yak-shaving can dig you a hole of trying to do things really well.
But at the same time, I genuinely enjoy yak-shaving now. It's pretty fun. I'd say people are more obsessive over stuff than not, but it doesn't seem helpful to call them addicted.
For some people, programming is really fun and good. For others, balance is important. Nobody really can tell you what's important and what's not, except for that very question of importance.
I see people into spirituality and the like trying to force not-forcing on themselves. Being obsessed with work is not the best way forward (and a bit rigid), but also you sometimes have to do it. Sometimes being obsessed is fun and useful and actually gets things done.
I feel like I have toned down my disagreements as I write this comment, because life should really not be about productivity. But sometimes it should be. I in part do regret times that I spent optimizing stuff, but because I went through that, I now appreciate having less intent.
Who knows, maybe someone telling you you're addicted is what gets people to change afterall.