You know the feeling – that deep attachment we have to the things we create. Our startup ideas, lovingly crafted lines of code, those profound short instructions stored in our private notes... they feel like extensions of ourselves, precious gems locked away in a treasure chest, guarded by the dragon of our own self-doubt.
Why? Because sharing means vulnerability. It means opening ourselves up to the world's judgment, risking that someone else might take our ideas and run with them, or worse, do a better job than we ever could. It's the fear of being overshadowed, outshined, or simply misunderstood.
But what if I told you there's a better way? A way to break free from possessive attachment and embrace a more collaborative, joyful approach to creation? It's time to move away from the monogamous codebase and let your creations swing, baby!
Break Free from the Monogamous Codebase
Forget about perfecting your code in isolation – that's like trying to learn salsa by dancing with yourself in the mirror. The real magic happens when you share your code early and often, inviting others to join the dance.
Think of it as a series of short, playful experiments with your codebase. Let your code out for a spin on the dance floor, see how it moves with others.
Don't wait until it's "perfect" (spoiler: it never will be). Instead of agonizing over every line of code, focus on creating something functional and valuable, even if it's not flawless. Think of it as crafting a delicious meal – it doesn't have to be Michelin-star worthy to be enjoyable and satisfying.
The sweet spot for sharing is when your code is:
Functional: It's doing its thing, even if it needs a little makeup (or a refactor).
Tested: You've written some tests to ensure it works as expected (no need for 100% coverage just yet)
Documented: You've written a clear PR description or README.md.
Think of it like this: your code is a party waiting to happen, and a pull request is your invitation. You wouldn't wait until every appetizer is perfectly plated before inviting guests over, right? The same goes for your code. Let your colleagues or open-source developers in on the fun, and who knows what kind of collaborative magic might happen.
Get Vulnerable
Fear of judgment is natural, but remember, it's often rooted in a deeper desire. When we hesitate to share our code, it might be because we secretly crave recognition, validation, or simply the satisfaction of a job well done. We might worry about being judged for our mistakes, our inexperience, or even the possibility that our code isn't as elegant as we'd like.
The key to overcoming this fear is to understand its underlying desire and recognize that these desires are perfectly normal.
The process of self-reflection can be incredibly liberating. By understanding our fears and desires, we can break free from their grip and embrace the joy of sharing (The previous statement is nonsense! because I stated it too easily as if it's just a simple task that can be easily accomplished. Sorry for that!).
We can open ourselves up to new possibilities, forge new neural pathways in our brains, and discover innovative ways of working together.
Show Off Your Genius!
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a Y Combinator meetup in Amsterdam (though I’m not sure if it’s officially connected to the renowned YC!). It was an interesting experience, surrounded by passionate individuals, each one driven by their unique startup ideas.
As I engaged in conversations, I noticed a recurring theme: some attendees were hesitant, almost guarded, when it came to sharing their ideas.
Initially, I wondered if they weren't serious about their projects or perhaps lacked confidence in their concepts. However, as I dug deeper, I realized the true reason behind their hesitation – fear. They were genuinely afraid that someone might steal their ideas, launch a company, and revolutionize the industry without them.
This fear, while understandable, is precisely what holds so many creators back.
Sharing your idea isn't about giving up control or risking it being "stolen." It's about inviting a diverse group of brilliant minds to explore your idea's full potential, uncovering hidden facets you never knew existed, or even finding partners who can help you bring your vision to life.
Plus, sharing your ideas demonstrates confidence, leadership, and a willingness to learn – all qualities that are highly valued in both the entrepreneurial world and any professional setting.
Small but Mighty: Your Notes Deserve the Spotlight
So, you've got a collection of notes: a script for testing API endpoints, a quick guide on deploying a microservice, a step-by-step process for fetching Kafka messages from the CLI, or even a list of your favorite cat memes. Instead of keeping these valuable snippets to yourself, why not share them with the world (or at least your colleagues)?
By publishing your documents, you're not just helping others; you're also building your personal brand and showcasing your expertise.
Share your work in relevant Slack channels or Teams groups, post it on internal wikis or knowledge bases, or even publish it on your company's blog or website.
Your manager will love it, your colleagues will appreciate it, and you'll be one step closer to that raise or promotion (at least one more item in your brag document for end-of-the-year appraisal)!
Thank you for taking the time and read my thoughts on the idea of a polyamorous approach in software and business. I hope this article has sparked a new perspective on the power of sharing and inspired you to unleash your creative potential.
Happy sharing!