Developers are usually problem solvers, we solve problems and once we solve the core of it we have a tendency to call it done. However completing the rest of it, the finishing touches takes a looong time.
The 99% complete syndrome is a documented fact that aligns well with software development and developers.
I have noticed this in many people and not all are developers. Once they solve the hard part, rest of them is unexciting/boring/tiring to them. Do not get me wrong, that remaining part is also as equally important in a process of making a thing complete, but the drive is usually gone. I am guilty of this too, once I am done solving that’s challenging, solving that was new and interesting, the drive, the motivation slightly decreases.
Why is that? How do you stay motivated and driven to complete it completely?
This can really happen if you are working on a side gig, Once a thing is 99% complete and 1% incomplete.
Deep inside my heart, I wish that was it. I know it is not and I know I will eventually do the rest of it, but when is that eventually going to come? I do not know.
I also noticed that, if you are working in an office or a product driven by other people you may still have this feeling but then there is someone at your shoulders waiting for it to be completely complete and so you complete it. There you go, nagging works 🙂
I do not want to include everyone here, I know developers who will completely complete the product before saying its DONE, done whether its office or a project they do in their garage. I am proud of those guys and one can really learn from those guys. I hope you have seen or met some of these guys around you too.
Its good to have them around.
Here is what I do to keep me going on my side gigs in those times,
- Try and set deadlines, real deadlines, the one that goes on the calendar.
- Share deadlines with your close ones who keep you motivated.
- Demo the product to people who can be nit picky.
- Being nit picky is good. It leads you to become a perfectionist.,which is good. Most times.
- If you have a TODO list, DO NOT check the item until is completely complete.
- If you do not have it, have one. TODAY.
- Credit yourself after completely completing it.
What do you do to stay motivated and driven after 99% completeness? I would love to hear