Have you ever been stuck on a problem? You’re working, and all of a sudden, you hit a wall. A big wall. One you can’t even see past. What do you do?
Do you sit there and stare at your computer screen just willing the right answer to come to you?
Do you get up and walk around?
Take a coffee break maybe?
Is that how you know it’s lunch time?
Or maybe Amazon time?
Or, do you sit there, befuddled for the rest of the work day?
I’ve learned that one way people cope with writer’s block when producing code is to talk to a Desk Buddy. Desk Buddies come in all shapes and sizes, but their purpose is the same. Sometimes, you just need to talk out a problem. Sometimes, the act of trying to explain it to someone (or something) else is exactly what you need to push you past the part you don’t understand.
“Phone a Friend” has always been how I operate, but not everyone is that extroverted. To some, the thought of talking to someone - say nothing about admitting a problem to them - is a completely unwanted stressor.
Enter: a rubber duck, plastic Android figurine, or plush Domo, who will listen to your problems without interrupting or trying to offer unhelpful solutions and will ultimately save the day, your sanity, and the project.
So, let us know. Do you have a Desk Buddy? How do you deal with roadblocks in programming, writing, game design, or projects in general?
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