School and the Importance of Personal Projects

This article delves into the crucial connection between personal projects and individual growth, highlighting how conventional schooling sometimes undermines the natural drive towards creative pursuits. The author argues that by focusing solely on grades and standardized tests, schools may inadvertently steer students away from engaging in projects of their own.

• The author draws a compelling comparison between working on personal projects and "skating," emphasizing the freedom, enjoyment, and heightened productivity that come with it.
• He suggests that many great achievements are a result of people who have embraced this "skating" mindset.
• The article advocates for prioritizing personal projects over grades, citing the importance of developing the skills and mindset needed for success in real-world endeavors.

The Contrast Between Schoolwork and Personal Projects

The article explores the contrasting nature of schoolwork and personal projects. While schoolwork often focuses on rote learning and standardized testing, personal projects foster creativity, problem-solving, and a deep sense of ownership.

• Schoolwork, especially in subjects like English and science, can often feel detached from real-world applications, whereas personal projects allow individuals to dive into subjects that truly interest them.
• The author uses the example of his own experiences in school and university, highlighting how he found more fulfillment in writing papers and developing software programs that were driven by personal interest and motivation.

The Importance of Autonomy and Ownership

The author emphasizes the importance of autonomy and ownership in personal projects. When individuals have the freedom to pursue their own interests and make decisions about how to approach a problem, they are more likely to be engaged and productive.

• This sense of ownership can be found in various settings, from working on a "treehouse" as a child to pursuing a startup as an adult.
• The article highlights the success of companies like Apple, where talented individuals were given significant autonomy to work on projects they were passionate about.
• He suggests that both startups and open-source projects thrive because they often attract people who are intrinsically motivated and seek creative freedom.

The "Lone Genius" and the Role of Collaboration

The article addresses the complex relationship between personal projects and collaboration. While the idea of the "lone genius" may seem appealing, the author acknowledges that most breakthroughs involve some form of collaboration.

• He emphasizes that collaboration can take various forms, ranging from sharing a single project to working on individual projects that fit together like pieces of a puzzle.
• The article argues that the ideal organization is one that balances collaboration and individual ownership in a way that fosters creativity and innovation.

The Power of "Careless Confidence" and Learning from Kids

The article emphasizes the importance of retaining the "careless confidence" that children often exhibit when starting new projects. Adults often get bogged down by fear of failure and overly high standards, which can hinder creativity.

• The author encourages adults to learn from children's willingness to dive into new projects without overthinking them.
• He suggests that it's important to find a balance between deliberate project selection and the "careless confidence" needed to get started.

Lessons for Schools and Adults

The article concludes with a call for a reevaluation of the way schools and adults approach work. By valuing personal projects and fostering a "skating" mindset, individuals can unlock greater creativity, innovation, and fulfillment in their work.

• The author suggests that schools should consider incorporating more project-based learning into their curricula to encourage a more active and engaged approach to learning.
• He also emphasizes the importance for adults to prioritize projects that align with their passions and allow them to exercise their creativity, regardless of whether they're financially rewarding.