[daRealDodo]

Quoting one of my favourite authors, Stephen Covey: “Begin with the end in mind”.

Instead of forcing yourself to finish, better ask: why do you want to do this project? What’s in it for you? Money? Online portfolio? Better employability? How does your work align with your core principles and values? Are you making a tool for saving developer time? Protecting innocent lives? Earning personal profits? All are valid options as long as your core principles are in alignment with what it is what you set out to achieve. Through time, the connection between you as a person and the work you set out to achieve inevitably becomes blurry. However, if a solid foundation of values and principles was made during the inception of the project, you will find it easier to resync your thoughts and realign yourself with your goal after burnout, fatigue or setbacks. Conversely, If your foundation is not solid, you will find it easy to convince yourself that time and effort is better spent somewhere else.

Make a clear vision of where you are, where you want to get and how this project is the key to your success.

[lcall]

Yes. There are also some good comments at a previous related discussion at https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18903886 .

I wrote some thoughts about finding direction in life (focused on learning for one's growth, and using that to serve others in some way), at http://lukecall.net (a lightly-loading web site). You can click on "Life Lessons" (4th bullet), then "Everyone needs a direction in life" (~ 6th bullet). It is in progress but I still hope it can be useful. Or the direct link is http://lukecall.net/e-9223372036854588981.html .Feedback welcome.