Why side projects die so quickly ...
Tags: webdev, project, failure, programming
Published: 2023-05-13 09:26:58


![Frustration](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ui6uz6budcz6d40tyec9.jpg)

As a programmer, you've likely experienced the frustrating feeling of staring at a blank screen, unsure of what to do next. But then, out of nowhere, it happens. 
Like a bolt of lightning, a flash of inspiration strikes, and suddenly you're buzzing with excitement. 
You've got it! A brilliant idea for a new program or website that has the potential to be a game-changer. You can already imagine the reactions of your friends and followers on GitHub. 
This is it!
But then, just as you're gaining momentum, something unexpected happens...

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> Scenario 1: The Quick Idea

Without hesitation, you dive in headfirst. You come up with a catchy name, bootstrap your files, and begin coding. The adrenaline is pumping through your veins as you are excitedly trying to bring your vision to life. 
But as you get further into the project, you start to realize that things aren't going quite as smoothly as you'd hoped.

Error messages start popping up left and right, and you can't seem to make any progress. 
You feel your motivation slipping away, and frustration sets in. You're a beginner, and maybe this project was just too ambitious for your skill level. 
But you're determined not to give up just yet. You try to push through, but the more you try, the more complicated the project seems to become. 

Finally, you throw in the towel and delete the project folder. It's just another failed attempt at bringing your idea to life. 

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> Scenario 2: A Small Effort

Alternatively, maybe a good friend approaches you with an idea for a new program or app that sounds promising. 
You're excited to work on it together and dive into planning. You spend countless hours discussing the details and mapping out the project's scope. 
You bootstrap the main files, and the project is starting to take shape.

But as time goes on, you start to realize that your friend isn't as committed to the project as you are. 
You're doing all the heavy lifting, and your friend is nowhere to be found. You feel frustrated and disheartened. 
Maybe this was just a passing fancy for your friend, but you're still invested in the project.
You keep pushing, but the work seems to pile up, and progress slows to a crawl. Soon, even you begin to lose steam, and the project becomes yet another unfinished idea gathering dust on your hard drive.

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Conclusion 

At the end, it is crucial to take a step back and thoroughly evaluate any project idea before jumping in without proper consideration.
It's essential to consider factors such as your skill level, the complexity of the project, and the feasibility of completing it within your available time frame. 
By doing so, you can avoid the common pitfalls of taking on too much at the outset, becoming overwhelmed, and ultimately giving up on the project. 
It's also important to keep in mind that a successful project often requires collaboration and support from others, so it's essential to have a solid team or support system in place from the start. 
With a well-planned approach, realistic expectations, and the right support, you can turn your project idea into a successful and fulfilling reality.


_"Programming is the art of transforming frustration into flashes of inspiration."_