There’s a test that I think helps you to know when you’re doing the right kind of thing — when you’re on a path to building something great. The test is simply that you don’t get tired of it. Like a companion whose conversation is pretty much endlessly enjoyable, the right project isn’t one you tire of easily at all.

I find myself up late at night writing code or answering posts about Wesabe all the time; not because I’m overcaffeinated but because I still enjoy working on it late into the night. If you can’t wait to get back to it, that will make making it great a lot easier.

Thanks for the piece.

To Paraphrase: Greatness comes from the flow mode of working, when time and the world around us receeds and we focus completely on the work. Tools and techniques are needed to plan the work, but once started, the artist is consummed into the work and the line is crossed between conscious ‘thought’ and creation of something great from ‘mind’. That’s where our best work is done.

Think of the difference between “Quality” work and “Caring” work. Caring is the right brain side of quality. He argues it really takes both to be successful. I’m not exactly quoting the book, so get it and read it, an oldie (1974), but a goodie.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_and_the_Art_of_Motorcycle_Maintenance.