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Ask HN: How can I pick a side project and stick with it?

686 points by corecoder · 2376 days ago · 364 comments on HN

Article summary

A web developer and DevOps engineer is struggling to pick a side project and stick with it, despite having a wide range of skills and interests. They find themselves constantly switching between ideas and never making meaningful progress on any one project. The author is seeking advice on how to overcome this issue and find a project that they can commit to. This problem has been ongoing for several years, with the author unable to work on a side project for more than two days continually.

Main themes

  • side projects
  • motivation
  • productivity
  • goal-setting
  • accountability
  • psychological factors
  • project management
  • self-improvement

What commenters say

  • Finding a project that is personally useful or meaningful can help motivate individuals to stick with it.
  • Breaking down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks can make them feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
  • Some individuals believe that talking about a project can actually decrease motivation, while others suggest that sharing goals and deadlines with others can increase accountability and motivation.
  • Having a clear goal or purpose in mind, such as learning a new skill or solving a real-world problem, can help guide the choice of side project and increase commitment.
  • Collaborating with others or finding an accountability partner can also help individuals stay motivated and focused on their project.
  • Others suggest that the issue may be related to underlying psychological or neurological factors, such as ADHD or perfectionism, and that seeking professional help or using strategies like mindfulness and exercise may be beneficial.
  • Some individuals advocate for embracing a 'project-hopping' approach, where one works on multiple projects simultaneously, while others recommend focusing on a single project and seeing it through to completion.
  • Ultimately, the key to success may lie in finding a balance between flexibility and commitment, and being willing to adapt and adjust one's approach as needed.