I know that I’ve been harping on and on about my feeling that my games are not up to snuff, but I was recently reading a blog about the hard work of making excellent products and it got me thinking. The blogger basically points out that “trying your best” isn’t good enough and that people rarely try their best anyways.
The example was given that people rarely put in 18 hour days to accomplish their dreams, yet will still tell people that they “did their best.” So, the author pointed out that “the best” is rarely, if ever, shown.
Generally, I can agree to that idea. In thinking about my own work, I have to consider the fact that I’m not doing everything that I could be into being a success. I take frequent breaks, dick around on the net a lot, and am well aware of the fact that I could be doing more.
With all that said, I just don’t think that the author considered “life situations.” What I mean is that it’s much easier for some people to give 100 % than easier. This might just be chalked up to some people being more hard willed than others, and I’m sure that’s a part of things. But, sometimes, you can only do what you can and nothing much more…
To give an example that is related to myself, I would think that it’d be easier to continue to keep making games if the games I made were selling well. But, to constantly work on something only to have it blow up on me makes me feel discouraged. Again, you might argue that it’s my own fault that things turn out that way and I wouldn’t argue with you. But, I also think that I’d be much better at doing this is if, for example, I could have tons of resources (ie cash) at my disposal. Don’t get me wrong – I couldn’t say that I’ve given my all into this goal. But, I feel like I’ve given a lot.
I guess, just like everyone else, I have an idea of myself that “I haven’t gotten what I deserve.” It seems to be a common idea and I’ve run into a lot of different people that have told me something along those lines. I’ve always sort of thought it was a bull shit excuse for not reaching your potential and IT IS.
But, I don’t think that there’s any denying that your success is sometimes out of your control and just a matter of luck…
Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated!
