Leo Riviera

The Cult of Done: My Journey to Becoming a Maker

Are you paralyzed by perfectionism? Learn how to break free by embracing a simple but powerful idea: failure counts as done.

The Cult of Done: My Journey to Becoming a Maker
#1about 4 minutes

The existential crisis of a software engineer

Feeling lost and stagnant in a software career leads to a search for a new identity as a "maker."

#2about 3 minutes

Defining what it means to be a maker

A maker is anyone who creates something from nothing using their unique point of view, regardless of skill level.

#3about 4 minutes

The three states of being: not knowing, action, completion

Breaking down large projects into clear states of not knowing, action, and completion makes the creative process manageable and exciting.

#4about 1 minute

Letting go of perfection to enable iteration

Becoming less attached to your creations allows you to accept "good enough" and iterate faster by learning from each attempt.

#5about 5 minutes

Reframing failure as a part of the process

Treating failure as a form of "done" transforms it from a reflection of personal inadequacy into a valuable learning experience.

#6about 3 minutes

The value of direct experience over advice

True understanding comes from doing the work yourself, and sharing your project too early can dilute your creative vision.

#7about 1 minute

Done is the engine that drives more creation

Completing projects builds momentum and compounds your skills, enabling you to tackle bigger and more ambitious work.

#8about 3 minutes

Separating your identity from your creative output

The most important lesson is that you are more than what you create, which allows making to be a tool for self-discovery rather than self-definition.

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