How to stay motivated and productive on your side project?

Question

Hey there!

I know firsthand how tough it can be to manage a side project. It can feel like you're spinning plates, trying to balance a full-time job, family responsibilities, and other commitments all while pursuing your passion project. It's easy to feel discouraged when progress is slow, and it can be tough to stay motivated when there are so many competing priorities.

One thing that's help me is setting small goals and celebrating each accomplishment along the way.

What methods do you use? How do you maintain momentum when progress is slow? How do you balance competing priorities?

Idaya Chandran · Accepted Answer

I see a lot of BeforeSunset people on the platform. Good to see you guys :)

Kazi Sid Ahmed · Answer

The book Atomic Habits from James clear, help me really well to start and be consistent with my work in the long term. you should read about it one time.

Shachar Keidar · Answer

Whenever I feel I lack motivation to work on something, whether it's a side project or not, I try two things:
1. Pomodoro method - work 25 minutes and then take a break and repeat.
2. Work with music. This depends on how much I feel focused. Sometimes I listen to techno or other times just mainstream fun music.

André J · Answer

Quit your day job and you'll move 10x faster

Stephen · Answer

@eonpilot you said that simpler and better then me! You are right.

Richard Gao · Answer

If it's a side project, the most important part is just keeping in mind you don't have to treat it like a full project

Give yourself a manageable workload

Neymar Shaw · Answer

Proper planning works good I guess.

Jitesh Ghanchi ⭕ · Answer

Some Practical tips:

🔕📱 Silence your social media notifications to avoid distractions.

📝🎯 Break down big goals into smaller, achievable tasks to boost productivity.

💰👑⚡️ Keep your side project running for the potential rewards of money, fame, and power. (fact)

Motivation: Dopamine Reward!

Magic Mike Paine · Answer

I think this goes into the "reason" you started this side project. If it's something you're passionate about, then motivation should come naturally. If it's something that you doing to help meat a certain goal, I would make sure you have a reminder of that goal sitting on your desk, on on your bathroom mirror so you see it often.

Answer

Lots of BeforeSunset users are present on the network. Hello, everyone!

Sophia Büttgen · Answer

What motivates me is quite frankly the simple idea: that your time (in general) is limited. And it would be such a shame, to have never done or given up that side project, that has always lingered your mind, because isn’t that your true purpose and road to fulfillment, if you just can’t let go of it? :)

I try to remind myself: take it easy and do baby steps, and day by day you will reach everything you ever wanted. <3

Stephen · Answer

All I will say Mustafa is the faster you can turn a side project into your full time work, the better you will feel and the faster it will go. If it really has commercial viability, make the leap sooner than later.  Don't wait.

Shekhar Iyer · Answer

ive seen its not about being slow due to commitments, i tend to compare myself with other people who were releasing tools quickly and i used to get discouraged until i decided i will build templates and systems to increase productivity in future and release products faster

Answer

It's important to set clear goals, break down tasks into smaller steps, and establish a routine to ensure consistent progress. Additionally, it can be helpful to find an accountability partner or join a community to stay motivated and receive support throughout the process.

Vlad Golub · Answer

Honestly, my secret to staying motivated on my side project is bribery. I promise myself pizza for every milestone reached. It may not be the healthiest approach, but it sure is effective🍕😂

How to stay motivated and productive on your side project?

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