If you build a straight fence 30 meters long with posts spaced 3 meters apart, how many posts do you need? If you said ten, think again. The answer is eleven. Ten 3-meter sections will need eleven posts – one at each end. Draw a picture and you’ll see. The answer of ten is called a “fencepost” or “off-by-one” error in the world of computer science. It’s a very common mistake to make in coding and yesterday my website suffered from it. But I’m not the one who made the mistake.
Yesterday I thought I was about ready to launch my new Compass program. I did some final testing of trial registrations. Turns out that each registration logged in as the registration before it. That’s an “off-by-one” error and it’s in the coding of the plugin – not an area I have access to. It’s not possible for me to fix this error. I have worked at my learning edge on many projects for months and feel that in this, I’m at a dead end. Have to start over or do something else or give up. The last option sounded best.
I did what any reasonable human being would do. I called someone and had a mini (moderate?) meltdown. That someone was one of my sons, God bless him. As a computer science person, he talked through all of it with me. And I do mean ALL of it – websites, problems, options, business plans, stress, life problems, and let’s not forget the meaning of life. It’s a wonderful place in life when these human beings I have raised grow up and become beautiful and awesome supports and advisors to me. When and how did that happen? I don’t know but I’m forever grateful that it did.
We didn’t solve anything, but I felt a little better after unloading on him (again – God bless him!). After we finished talking, my oldest son asked me if I wanted to go on a bicycle ride. Absolutely! We talked about life’s challenges while pumping the pedals. It was a cathartic ride.
Still nothing was solved. I contacted the plugin developer and got an automatic reply. Will they fix it? I don’t know. Several hours later, still feeling defeated, I got an email from my coach (teacher/mentor/friend) Christian Howes. Chris – your words of encouragement were exactly what I needed. My regained resolve is built on the foundation of my sons and topped off with your message.
Here’s part of the message from Chris:
No matter what it is that you TRULY want…
…NEVER give up.
Just. Don’t. Do. It.
No matter how much it hurts. No matter how much you want to throw in the towel. No matter how many excuses you think you have…
…just don’t give up.
Your willpower is nearly the only thing in this world that’s within your control.
The people who succeed are the ones who never give up.
That’s why there are fewer successful people than unsuccessful people.
It’s not because of talent or genetics. It’s because of sheer willpower.
So wherever you’re at in life right now…just don’t give up.
That’s all for today.
Indeed, that’s all for today and enough for today. It’s where I am today and that’s something I can rest in. Jon, Jacob, Chris, I hear you – I’m not giving up!