The readings explore several motivations for developers contributing to Open Source Software (OSS). One prevalent motivation highlighted is enjoyment-based intrinsic motivation, where individuals find the process of working on a project inherently enjoyable and creatively stimulating. They engage in these projects because it aligns with their interests and passions. In contrast, my motivations often revolve around deadlines, especially in my work. I'm driven by the need to meet targets and deliver on time. While I do find enjoyment in my work, it's often the sense of responsibility and duty that pushes me forward, which aligns more with extrinsic motivation. Moreover, financial incentives play a significant role in my motivation. If I see the potential for financial gain or the project offers monetary rewards, it serves as a strong motivator for me. Overall, while I do experience intrinsic enjoyment in some tasks, my motivations are often influenced by external factors like deadlines, financial incentives, and the involvement of others.
One notable instance of taking on a project purely for the enjoyment of it was during a 7th-grade robotics competition. Our group was driven by the pursuit of success and the desire to stand out, which led us to dedicate countless hours fine-tuning our robot's code and hardware. What made this project especially enjoyable was the challenge it posed, and the thrill of coming close to finding the perfect adjustment was immensely satisfying. This experience highlighted the power of intrinsic motivation and the joy of pursuing a task solely for the pleasure it brings, a lesson I carry with me in various aspects of my life, including my approach to open-source contributions.
In addition to the challenges related to focus and discipline, I've faced a unique blocker in my life due to my ADHD. While I have been taking medication to alleviate its effects for most of my life, finding the right dosage has not always been easy. This presented a significant obstacle as I wasn't consistently taking the optimal dosage. There were times when I experienced side effects or didn't feel the intended benefits due to dosage adjustments.
To overcome this blocker, I've worked closely with healthcare professionals to fine-tune my medication regimen. This involved a process of trial and error, where we experimented with different dosages until we found the one that provided the best balance of symptom management and minimal side effects. Through regular consultations and open communication with my healthcare team, I have made significant progress in optimizing my medication to enhance my focus and overall functioning.
My experience contributing to PreTeXT books has been a journey that has involved both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Initially, my motivation was primarily extrinsic, driven by the opportunity to earn income. However, as I became more involved in the projects and witnessed the positive impact they had on learners, my intrinsic motivation grew. I found joy in creating educational content that could help others. Over time, I have also learned to better manage my ADHD-related challenges and improve my focus, making my contributions more consistent and productive. Overall, my experiences with motivation and overcoming blockers have evolved positively as the years have gone by, emphasizing the importance of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors in driving personal and professional growth.