One of the primary risks for someone who learns quickly is
becoming a big fish in a small pond. While there is nothing inherently
wrong with small ponds or big fish, it is critical for the big fish to be
aware of other ponds within the vast global network of ponds, and more
importantly, the existence of enormous fish, fish that even exceed the
size of your little pond.
The talented and hard-working apprentice must not become
self-satisfied with his success. It is very easy to rise above the
mediocre in the field of software development because too many people
become satisfied with staying only slightly ahead of the curve. You must
fight this tendency toward mediocrity by seeking out and learning about
other teams, organizations, journeymen, and master craftsmen that work at
a level of proficiency that an apprentice cannot even imagine.
You must be willing to let go of your perceived competence and allow
yourself to recognize that you have traveled only a short distance on
The Long Road. Your goal isn’t to
become better than the “average developer.” Your goal is to measure your
abilities and find ways to be better than you were yesterday. We’re all on
the same journey, and comparing ourselves to others is useful only when it
allows us to find ways to help each other improve.
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