Developers: How do you stay motivated?

[Hizor]

There are many was a developer stays motivated, and some don't fading into the dark cracks of the internet with their, sometimes good, ideas going with them.

I've picked up projects before, just to abandon them. Primarily due to my busy life, but still doesn't make me feel any better.
So, is there anything that you do to stay motivated?

 

[Noob Salad]

'If I don't graduate, I don't eat.'

 

[TheDarkMaster]

Staying motivated is one of the most difficult things for projects after that initial interest period wears off. I've heard some say that it's better to be disciplined rather than motivated, but the one thing I can say with certainty is that I do far better with a good night's sleep.

 

[Savin]

I've heard some say that it's better to be disciplined rather than motivated

This. Fuck motivation. Fuck inspiration. Pick a time to start working; pick a time to end. Do not allow yourself to stop until the appointed time.

 

[XBoxMaster131]

This. Fuck motivation. Fuck inspiration. Pick a time to start working; pick a time to end. Do not allow yourself to stop until the appointed time.

Seems like that plan has the great potential to backfire.

 

[TheDarkMaster]

Seems like that plan has the great potential to backfire.

There can be more nuance to the plan, like making sure that you don't overwork yourself when you're unwell or putting in extra effort on days where you're doing well and stopping early on days where you're doing poorly. However, the general idea is much more sound than most other plans.

 

[RanmaChan]

Pick a time to start working; pick a time to end. Do not allow yourself to stop until the appointed time.

I kind of do this, but I usually set up a playlist of music and work for as long as the music plays.

 

[Noob Salad]

I also wait until the last minute and remark on how easy that was and how I could/should have started and finished earlier.