Programmer’s recipe to get side projects done
Most programmers work on side projects. Some want to learn new skills. Others hope to build something useful and maybe earn money. But here's the problem: most of us never finish these projects.
I had this problem too. I had many ideas in my head. I kept jumping between different projects. Then I created a simple 5-step plan. It helped me finish and release my first side project.
1. Delete Your Other Unfinished Projects
Yes, you read that right. Delete all your other unfinished side projects.
The problem starts when you think, "I'll finish this other project later." But you never go back. You end up with two unfinished projects. Then the cycle continues.
Here's my solution. It's a bit extreme, but it works. When you start a new side project, delete the previous one if it's unfinished. This means you can't go back to it.
Deleting your work is hard. After all the time you spent on it, you won't want to throw it away. This forces you to finish your current project instead of starting a new one.
2. Don't Start Building Right Away
When a new idea hits you, you run to your computer. You start building immediately. After a while, you lose interest. The excitement fades away.
The solution is simple. Give your idea some time before you start building. Wait a week or two. If you're still excited about the idea, then start building it. You'll have a better chance of finishing it.
3. Talk About Your Project
Sometimes you start a side project to learn a new technology. Other times you think your idea will make you rich. But after a while, you realize the truth. The idea isn't worth it. Or the technology you're learning has no future.
Talk to people about your idea before you build it. You'll discover these truths earlier. This saves you time.
On the flip side, if people like your idea, you'll be more motivated. If the technology you're learning has a bright future, you'll want to finish your project.
4. Don't Go Big, Always Go Home
Now you have no other side projects. You're still excited about your current project. You have motivation.
Before you start building, define what features your project will have. We all know what happens when we want to build something small. We keep adding features. The project never gets done.
Write down the features you want. Stick to them. You can add more features later, but not while you're building the project. Always go home with what you planned.
5. Set a Deadline and Take It Seriously
When you work on client projects, you take deadlines seriously. You have a routine. You work specific hours.
But when you work on side projects, everything becomes messy. No deadline. No routine.
Set a strict deadline for your side project. Try your best to keep it. This guarantees your project will get finished.
Final Words
Following these 5 tips helped me finish and release my MyResolutions project. I can guarantee they will help you too. Your side project will either get finished 💪 or deleted 😂.
Either way, you'll make progress.