Sometimes it can take an outsider to really help us count our blessings.

So often we can be caught up in our own shortcomings, and our own failings. How often do you look at your work, whether it's code or otherwise, and only see the problems?

Balaam, a prophet-for-hire, who was commissioned to curse the Jewish people in this week's Torah portion, encounters the nation from afar and sees only the positive. He is overwhelmed by the goodness he sees, and his curses turn into blessings.

How do you turn your own "curses" into blessings? Perhaps, find a partner in your work who can give you that outside perspective. If it feels not authentic to see the goodness in your own work, having someone be in that "Balaam-like" role can help offer you that needed perspective.

There is always room for improvement. Yet, amidst all of our own self-critique, find opportunities to see the good as well.