Shipping side projects without burning out

Most of my side projects did not fail. They just never finished.

Shrink the scope until it is embarrassing

If version one takes more than two weekends, it is version three. Cut features until the idea barely works, then ship that.

Make the deadline public

A date in a tweet or a message to a friend is more motivating than any task manager. Somebody is waiting now.

Define done before starting

Write one sentence: "This is done when ___." When the sentence is true, release it — even if you already have five new ideas.

Protect the energy

• Work on it at the same time every week.
• Stop while you still know what to do next.
• Skip a week without guilt.

Finished and small beats perfect and imaginary, every time.