After my last post (How I became a senior javascript developer with personal projects), I received a good question that got me thinking:

What keeps you motivated?

I believe this is a simple but deep question. Many people start new side projects and get very excited at the beginning, but after a few days, the energy is gone. WTF happen?

Recently I read an excellent book called 14 Habits of Highly Productive Developers (by my friend Zeno Rocha) where has a complete discussion about the side projects topic. I recommend to any developer read the entire book. But in this blog post, I`ll try to explain how I still motivate in my personal projects in the last years. Starting by demystifying an idea.

I don't complete all of my side projects!

Yes, you read correctly. I have many side projects stopped in my Github account and everything is fine.

The process is the same:

• First: I have an awesome idea (on my mind).
• Second: I create a repository and start the project in my code editor.
• Third: I abandon the project.

Tips to complete your side project

I have a list of private empty repositories, but I also have a list of projects done. If you have more drafts (or ideas) than finished projects, I have some tips that can help you.

Think hard if you really want to do a project

During the first moments after an idea, you are full of motivation, but how you know if this motivation will exist tomorrow? Simple, wait for tomorrow! If you still want to work on the new project, START.

I create a Meditation Timer to keep calm before important decision moments (and learning Vue.js better).

Tip: If you have energy and time, enjoy the moment and do it. Only wait for tomorrow if the project scope is large!

Create a checklist and follow it

Don't spend time/energy thinking or try to remember common things for all projects.

• If your project needs a Readme, take note.
• If your project needs to publish in npm (or similar package registry), take note.
• If your project needs a .gitignore file, take note.Etc...

My checklist for open source projects.

Tip: If your project needs a cool name, use a beta name, and rename when you decide them, don't spend time thinking in the name instead start the project.

Have a generic boilerplate

Don't spend time/energy creating the same files all time.

Tip: Get ideas from your old projects or ask your friends: how files are commons in all projects.

Yes, create a boilerplate is a cool first project for you to start.

My generic boilerplate.

Don't try to learn more than one new technology at the same time

Start a new project for learning a new technology is the best decision you can do. But you need to consider the learning curve for any new thing you want to implement. If you add multiples learning curves in your project you probably spend more time on the project and improve your chance to demotivated in front of all problems around the learning process.

I don't conclude this calendar project because I try to learn (and implement) a lot of new technologies at the same time.

Dedicate time (with quality) to your project

Don't await the inspiration moment, organize your time for work in your project as you do in your principal job. Turn off all notifications and previously select an inspirational playlist to help your focus.

I create a Pomodoro Timer for focus on your tasks (and learning React.js better).

Define a scope for the project and follow them

In my previous blog post, I shared big projects, but this project was created one per year. Between this time I work in a lot of small projects, and the most powerful trick for all size projects is to determine a scope of features and follow them.

During the working, if you have a new incredible idea, take note and back to the scope. Belive-me, big companies have problems when spending more energy than necessary for your MVPs.

Share

Post your project on twitter, Instagram, Facebook, write a blog post about the process, or share with a friend.

My personal Github profile.

Don't worry about possible critics about your code, serious developers will help you, don't attack you. Share your project and growth with comments.

Conclusion

Expose yourself to new challenges is scary, but great recompenses await for people can do great steps, create and share your side projects are one of the greatest steps in a developer career.

I'm from Brazil. In my country only 5% of the population speak English (The official Brazilian language is Portuguese), and I was always part of the 95%.

Written in English is hard for me, but this is my new side project, improve my English skills to meet new people and friends around the world!

Now, I'll share some places where people are impacted by my first English blog post (a week ago):

I received many responses, I couldn't compile all the places on this map! Thanks .

I cannot express my emotion when I see this result after my effort to learn English.

Remember, open source is not only about share code, is about sharing experiences and solutions for different people independent of nationality or background!

Thanks a lot for reading my second English blog post.

If you liked this content, follow me on Github and/or Twitter .

Cheers.