Stress. I would like to stop stressing.

Raian · **Posted:** March 8th, 2013, 12:21 am

I've always been one to freak out over everything. This morning I was doing my computer logic homework, and I basically had to type up "pseudocode", convert it to a flowchart, and ultimately, convert everything into a Python script.

The flowchart (I use Raptor, so I get instant feedback) and Python script both work wonderfully, and give me excellent results. So I'm 100% confident in those sections when I turn in my homework. However, there's the matter of the pseudocode: even if I check the code 50,000 times, it still can possibly be incorrect. And that really, really messes me up.

I have a very lenient professor, and she is really cool But I'm still afraid I might end up flunking the class due to something small like that... and I'm ultimately trying to get straight A's this semester (it will be the first semester I actually accomplish it) and it makes it even WORSE on me since I can't tolerate failure/incorrect answers. I need to exercise perfection! Or close enough to perfection. As long as I get an A, I suppose.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, how the hell can I stop freaking out about small details and just RELAX?

Adbot · **Posted:** March 8th, 2013, 12:21 am

Shane · **Posted:** March 9th, 2013, 2:03 am

Just don't stress.

I operate with the assumption if I try to make everything perfect I'm going to miss something else along the way. It's a matter of taking a step back and figuring out what's most important. From there make the things near the top the most perfect and scale it down accordingly. Also another tip for programming, if something isn't working or you can't implement as elegant as you'd like, take a break.

After all, we're not the borg. We can't be 100% perfect.

trekkie · **Posted:** March 9th, 2013, 1:38 pm

If you are stressing out over it, one of my suggests is when you are done with what you may consider a draft, step away from the computer and do something relaxing. It could as simple as just soaking in the tube and take your mind off of the work. Doesn't have to be long, even 5 minutes go make a cup of tea in that time and just sit to rest your eyes.

When you return, you'll feel better and you may catch some of the things that you didn't the first time.

Raian · **Posted:** March 11th, 2013, 6:14 am

Your words both make sense, and I feel a little foolish not thinking of it first.

Striving for perfection I guess will just cause me to miss details.

Earth · **Posted:** March 15th, 2013, 5:05 pm

I have the same problem. Just step away and breathe for a bit.
Do you have problems with your blood sugar getting low? I do, and me freaking out gets even worse when my blood sugar is low, so I always carry around some crackers or something.

As much as I hate to use this phrase, don't miss the forest for all the trees
If you pay attention to every single detail, you miss the big picture
I have no idea what psuedocode is, but from Shane's response I gather that "form follows function" is applicable

Augmented Human · **Posted:** April 8th, 2013, 9:31 am

Adbot · **Posted:** April 8th, 2013, 9:31 am