January 23, 2023
When we have an idea, we are often very pumped and excited. We want to quickly see that idea come into real life and see how people react to it. The very exciting thing about starting something new is seeing the outcome of that vision. For instance, creating a product that can help engineers debug production issues easily is very exciting because I can imagine how easy the life of a software engineer will be if this product exists. Further, I am also excited about how the engineers will react when they are using the product.
Most of our side-projects do not finish. Because it is a project that you do on the ‘side,’ you may not have the time to work on the product in a short time. We get caught up on other ideas, look back on the old ones, and think that the old ones just don’t turn out to be that great.
In this post, I'll share scientifically-backed ways to make time for your projects.
Distractions can be a major hindrance to progress and productivity. By creating both physical and mental barriers to distractions, you can minimize their impact on your work and make time for your side project. This can include turning off notifications on your phone, closing your email, or finding a quiet environment to work in. Additionally, consider using tools like a focus timer or a website blocker to reduce distractions and increase your concentration.
Having a well-designed day can help you stay focused and avoid wasting time on unimportant tasks. To achieve this, take control of your schedule by prioritizing your goals and allocating time accordingly. This can involve setting aside specific blocks of time for your side project, prioritizing your to-do list, and avoiding time-wasting activities. By taking control of your day, you'll have the time and energy to focus on your side project and make meaningful progress.
Entertainment is an important part of life, but it can also be a major time sink. To make time for your side project, consider limiting your TV consumption and making it a special treat instead of a habit. This will free up time and energy that you can then dedicate to your project, allowing you to make progress and achieve your goals.
Flow is a state of deep concentration and focus that can help you make significant progress on your side project. To achieve flow, you need to have a clear goal and a sense of urgency. Inventing a deadline for your project can help you stay focused and create a sense of accountability, motivating you to make progress. Additionally, consider breaking down your project into smaller, manageable tasks and setting deadlines for each one to help you maintain momentum and focus.
Exercise is not only good for your health, but it can also help you increase your focus and creativity. By making time for exercise, you can improve your physical and mental well-being, making it easier to make time for your side project.
Starting your day early can give you a head start on your side project before other distractions and demands take over. By becoming a morning person, you can take advantage of your energy and focus before they wane later in the day. This can involve developing a morning routine, such as exercise, meditation, or working on your side project, to help you get started on the right foot and make the most of your time.
Distractions can be turned into tools that help you make progress on your side project. For example, instead of letting social media distract you, use it as a source of inspiration and motivation. Find ways to turn distractions into productive tools that support your goal, such as using a tool like RescueTime to track your time and stay focused.
Taking breaks is essential to maintaining focus and avoiding burnout. Regular breaks can help you recharge your energy, avoid boredom, and refocus your attention. So, take real breaks, not just distractions that masquerade as breaks, to make the most of your time. This can involve taking short breaks throughout the day, such as going for a walk or doing some stretching, to recharge your batteries and stay focused.
Email and other forms of digital communication can be major distractions and time-wasters. To make time for your side project, you need to slow your inbox and manage your email in a more intentional way. Set aside specific times each day to check and respond to your email, so you can focus on your project the rest of the time.
Time craters are activities that suck up time without providing any meaningful value. Examples include procrastination, perfectionism, and indecision. To make time for your side project, you need to identify and avoid time craters in your life. Instead of wasting time on these activities, focus your energy and attention on your project to achieve meaningful progress.
