So I was reading a thread earlier about the whole “git gud” phrase in gaming, and it got me thinking. It does feel pretty similar to the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” idea, doesn’t it? Both seem to boil down to “just figure it out yourself,” which can be frustrating if you’re genuinely stuck and looking for a helpful path forward.
I work as a mechanic, and I see a version of this all the time. Someone comes in with a car problem, and a well-meaning friend might just say, “Ah, you just need to learn how cars work!” That’s not wrong, but it’s not a roadmap. It skips the steps the diagnostics, the specific tools, the order of operations. It’s the difference between philosophy and applied engineering.
That’s where my mind goes with “git gud.” On one hand, there’s a core truth about persistence and personal effort. On the other, it often dismisses the value of structured learning, mentorship, or even just a clear explanation of mechanics. In fitness, telling someone to “just lift heavier” without addressing form or programming is a quick way to an injury, not progress.
Do you think the phrase is mostly a harmless joke that’s gotten overused, or does it point to a deeper cultural attitude about learning and difficulty? I’m curious where others land on this.