Tony St. Pierre

Code. Reflect. Evolve.

Day 38: Debugging Your Thought Process

Key Takeaways

Debugging doesn't stop at code. Developers who grow the most also debug their thinking. They question assumptions, examine reactions, and adjust how they respond.

If someone is unable to understand a thing, he should blame himself or not at all. – Epictetus

Reflection

Your app breaks.
You don't blame the framework.
You trace it.
You walk the logic.
You figure out what went wrong.

Now, think about this.
When your thoughts fall apart, do you debug those too?

Epictetus said understanding starts with you.
Start by looking there if something keeps blocking you, whether it's anger, confusion, or hesitation.

You brushed off that comment.
You jumped to a conclusion.
You let a reaction lead instead of reason.

That's still logic.
It's just running silently in your head.

The Stoics called it self-audit.
The best developers I know do it by instinct.
They fix the thought behind the bug.

And they do it like they do anything else that matters.
Slowly. Carefully. Without turning away.

Today's Insight

Your thoughts run in loops.
If you never check the logic, the same errors keep showing up.

Trace your mind like you'd trace a broken build.
Clarity doesn't arrive.
You earn it.

Action Steps

  1. Trace the Thought -When something throws you, stop. What did you assume? What story are you running? Are you trying to control something that isn't yours?
  2. Find the Root - Is the problem the issue, or how are you reacting?
  3. Refactor the Thought -Strip the noise. Focus on what's in your hands. Take one clear step forward.

Consider This

What if you reviewed your thoughts with the same discipline you bring to code?

What pattern keeps running in the background, tripping the same result?

Fix the thinking.
The rest follows.

Read: Day 1: Embracing Challenges as Opportunities

Week 1 Insight

Day 1: Embracing Challenges as Opportunities

Challenges shape the craft. Bugs, shifting specs, and tight deadlines test your clarity. Struggle sharpens skill and turns effort into lasting growth.

Cultivate Stoic Insight →
Read: Day 37: Learning from Past Mistakes

Week 6 Insight

Day 37: Learning from Past Mistakes

A mistake isn't a failure. It's feedback. Every bug, bad decision, or missed detail has something to teach. Great developers don't dwell on it. They study it, adjust, and keep building better.

Cultivate Stoic Insight →
Read: Day 72: Listen Like You Debug

Week 11 Insight

Day 72: Listen Like You Debug

Debugging and listening share the same principles. Active listening requires patience, clarity, and focus. Avoid miscommunication, prevent costly mistakes, and respond with intent.

Cultivate Stoic Insight →