I don't love programming for the same reasons as when I started.

What started like infinite Lego bricks has changed over time for me.

Don't get me wrong -- I still love building things. I still love being able to solve complex problems by putting systems together.

There's genuinely something awesome about seeing parts of a system come together.

But there's something that excites me more. More exciting than when I was building text-based RPGs when I was a kid.

It comes down to people.

As software engineers, we're going to have projects and challenges that are draining. They might seem like a mountain to climb or a project with no end in sight.

But if you're fortunate enough to work around other developers that:
• Don't shy away from crazy ideas
• Are driven to solve problems
• Aren't afraid of challenges
• Iterate quickly

I've found that this always gives me tons of energy. Far more than I've ever had from working on projects by myself -- regardless of how daunting the challenge at hand might be.

What gets your energy levels up on a project?