What hiking taught me about problem-solving

I've been hiking for years, but it wasn't until I started connecting my hiking experiences to my engineering work that I realized how much they have in common. Both require planning, persistence, and the ability to adapt when things don't go as expected.

The Planning Phase

Before a hike, you:

• Research the trail
• Check weather conditions
• Pack the right gear
• Plan your route
• Tell someone where you're going

Before tackling a complex engineering problem, you should:

• Understand the requirements
• Research existing solutions
• Gather the right tools
• Plan your approach
• Communicate your plan

The Journey

On a hike, you:

• Start with energy and enthusiasm
• Encounter obstacles (steep sections, bad weather)
• Adjust your pace
• Take breaks when needed
• Keep moving forward

In engineering:

• Start with clear goals
• Encounter obstacles (bugs, performance issues)
• Adjust your approach
• Take breaks to avoid burnout
• Keep making progress

Problem-Solving Parallels

Breaking Down Big Problems A long hike is just a series of steps. A complex system is just a series of smaller problems to solve.

Persistence Sometimes the trail is hard, but you keep going. Sometimes code is frustrating, but you keep debugging.

Adaptation Weather changes? Adjust your plan. Requirements change? Adjust your approach.

Rest and Recovery You can't hike 24/7. You can't code 24/7. Rest makes you stronger.

The Summit

Reaching the summit feels amazing. So does shipping a feature that works well. But the real value is in the journey-the skills you develop, the problems you solve, the resilience you build.

Lessons for Engineering

1. Break problems into smaller pieces Just like a hike is a series of steps, a complex system is a series of smaller problems.

2. Prepare thoroughly Research, plan, gather tools. Preparation prevents problems.

3. Pace yourself Sprinting works for short distances, but marathons require pacing.

4. Adapt to conditions Plans change. Requirements change. Be flexible.

5. Enjoy the journey Not every moment is fun, but the overall experience is rewarding.

The Mental Health Angle

Hiking provides:

• Physical exercise
• Time in nature
• Mental clarity
• Stress relief
• Sense of accomplishment

All of these translate to better engineering work.

"The best solutions come when you step away from the computer and gain perspective."

Next time you're stuck on a problem, try going for a hike. The solution might come when you're not actively thinking about it.