Optimism and hard work as a strategy

People often ask me how I manage to juggle a Computer Science degree, a job at Lanaccess, and the intensity of building Express My Health as a CTO — all while keeping a smile on my face.

The truth is, problems are a constant. Whether it's a segmentation fault in C++, a server going down, or a difficult exam week, obstacles are guaranteed. You can't control the chaos, but you can control your reaction to it.

For me, optimism isn't just a mood. It's a strategy.

If you approach a bug or a business hurdle thinking it's going to be a disaster, it probably will be. But if you approach it with the absolute confidence that you will figure it out, the solution usually follows. I believe a lot in myself, not because I know everything, but because I know I have the resilience to learn whatever I'm missing.

I keep two quotes in the back of my mind constantly.

• The first is from Steve Jobs: "Make a dent in the universe." This is the fuel. It's why I'm not just writing code, but trying to build solutions that actually help people communicate. It reminds me that the work has a purpose larger than just passing a class or closing a ticket.
• The second is a bit tougher: "Don't stop when you are tired, stop when you are done." This is the discipline. Optimism doesn't mean things are easy; it means you have the energy to push through the hard parts. There are nights when I am exhausted, but I know the mission isn't finished.

So, that's my "secret." I work hard, I confront problems head-on, and I do it with a smile. Because if you're going to try to change the world, you might as well enjoy the ride.

Let's get back to work.

— Jan