WB096: Skill Regression Creep
"Scope creep" is a term that describes seemingly small and insignificant changes to an agreed plan over time that ultimately results in material budget overruns.
This term is commonly used in software development.
For example, a Product Manager who wants a feature built lays out the requirements to the Software Developer. After some back-and-forth discussions, the scope and timeline are agreed upon and development begins.
Mid-way through development, the Product Manager comes up with a better idea for said feature and makes a "minor" change request to the Software Developer. The Software Developer obliges, as the changes can be squeezed into the timeline.
Problems arise when change requests are made more and more frequently during the development cycle. Before you realise, the feature cannot be delivered on time due to the backlog of requests. The blame games then begin.
"Creep"-related issues are not limited to software development and can arise in many aspects of daily life. What is important is to realise early on that you are entering "creep" territory and course-correct before crossing the proverbial Rubicon.
Of late, I notice that I use the backspace/delete key quite a lot when using a computer keyboard, as I frequently mis-type words. I guess I am experiencing what I call a typing-related "skill regression creep".
To be clear, there are definitely more important things in life to be worrying about. And one could also argue this is not a big deal, as it is very easy to correct typos on a computer. So why overreact?
Well, frequently having to re-type words adds up to a waste of time. And it frustrates me that I am getting worse at something I used to be good at.
I have yet to find a definitive cause for this "skill regression creep", but have narrowed it down to two possibilities.
One is that this is a bad habit built up silently over a long period, concealed by the ease at which typos can be corrected on a keyboard. I guess this habit originates from the urge to complete tasks expediently. And as to why the need for speed, I cannot pinpoint what I am in a rush to do!
From now on, I will try to type a little slower and with more intention.
The second possibility is that my typing muscle memory has weakened due to frequently using copy-paste or auto-fill. No doubt, these tools make word processing more efficient. However, "skill regression creep" may be the hidden cost that has been manifesting over time. After all, there is no free lunch in life.
I also feel that an over-reliance on auto-fill also worsens our memory functions.
Case in point, you probably cannot accurately recall the URLs of websites you frequent. These are either bookmarked in your browser or auto-filled when you type the first few alphabets. And even if you were to mis-type the URL, Google will automatically "suggest" the right website URL.
At the end of the day, our body has muscles that need to be maintained. This activity is under threat from the digital conveniences and safety nets woven into our daily lives, maybe without us even realising. An added dose of intentional inconvenience might just be the right antidote.
--Ends
