[hnthrowaway0315]

How to train for grit?

Some context: at age of 40 I think I have the ordinary grit. That is, I can complete work that I'm not interested in. I can go the extra mile to write better documentation or go back to laptop at 7pm for some extra support or write scripts for automation.

However I don't have the grit to complete my side projects. I understand that even for passion projects 80% of the code is just boring stuffs such as boilerplate or patching up edge cases so I already have the mental preparation. But usually I burnout too quickly after solving a difficult algorithm. Here is an example: say I want to build a 2d rpg, I worked on the game for a while and then decided to attack the more difficult algos such as path finding and line of sight. I grinded for a few days and completed those algos. I'm happy with myself but then lose the energy to complete the rest of the game(about 50-60% I'd say), which is technically easier but architecturally complicated.

How can I obtain the grit to complete side projects?

[apsurd]

quick reaction: the grit you have to complete work stuff maybe has to move to the side project. For example reverse your day: first 2 hours are for your side project. this likely will feel weird and shake up your current strategy, but that's the point!

as we get older we naturally come to focus on less and less whether due to raw physical capacity, growing responsibilities, and even just more sense. So i would suggest reframing the question as how to prioritize and focus my efforts, vs how do i add more capacity for a side project.