Maturity

Gruber linked to this post today and noted:

Seeking out the best solution, even if obvious, rather than the solution that makes the designer look the most clever or original, is a sign of maturity.

That’s his comment in response to Mike Monteiro’s observation:

The goal of design is to nail the problem, not showcase the cleverness of the designer.

I was reminded of the realization I had while deciding on a college that I needed to pick what was right for me, regardless of the stigma associated with the college. Though this is a widely accepted truth, most people apply it in one direction: even if everyone is against your college of choice, you should still go if you think it’s right. The other direction is equally valid, though: the right school for you may be the one everyone pushes you towards.

In my case everyone wanted me to go to BYU. I didn’t want to because nearly every one of my friends went there and it’s almost expected that a “good” Mormon will go there. It was rebellion, but couched in the rationalization that I would be showing everyone my ability to think for myself by going elsewhere. It was only after I matured over my mission that I realized I wasn’t truly thinking for myself when I decided not to attend BYU.

As Mike writes in his post, sometimes the right answer is the obvious answer.