Frankly, I’m writing this post because I’m struggling to finish my current pet project—despite fully understanding what needs to be done. And you’re probably thinking, “What the hell is he saying? If you know what to do, then just do it!” And you’re right.
The reason I haven’t finished my project yet? Overcomplicating things.
I saw a nice feature on a website that allowed users to switch themes and languages seamlessly. I got jealous. I thought, “I can do the same thing—maybe even better!” So, I started implementing a theme switcher. I spent two days making it just right—following a solid architecture, ensuring it was convenient to use. Eventually, I was satisfied with the result. But then it hit me…
I had just procrastinated for two days.
This is the worst kind of procrastination—the one that looks like real work. But it’s not. You know why? Because even if you achieve a great result, it means absolutely nothing if it doesn’t bring you closer to your final goal.
Let me put it more clearly: at the start of any project, I define an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)—a simple version that covers the basics and can be deployed as the first iteration (which, let’s be honest, you probably won’t improve later).
I’m sure you’ve been in the same situation. How many times have you found yourself working on something outside your MVP? Design, routing, documentation (of course, you won’t remember what these two functions do without solid documentation, right?). At first glance, it all seems important. It feels like progress. But is it really?
I want to share what helps me get back on track when I stray from my goals:
🛠 Use Agile Tools Like Kanban
Anything that seems cool but isn’t part of your MVP should go straight into your backlog for later. If you’re not familiar with Kanban, Jira, or terms like “backlog” — don’t worry. Just create a simple list and throw all those unrelated ideas there. Out of sight, out of mind (for now).
🎯 Define Your MVP
Never underestimate the importance of a clear MVP! Someone once said, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t track it.” And they were right.
You don’t need to write a massive document. Sure, a detailed plan is great if you have one, but if not, just write down your MVP in 2-3 sentences. Describe what your pet project should do at its core. Keep it simple.
💬 Seek Feedback Without Fear
This one’s as much a reminder for me as it is for you. Don’t be shy about getting feedback. Platforms like Twitter might not always be the best for constructive input, but niche forums and communities can be goldmines.
You never know who might come across your project — maybe someone who can help, collaborate, or offer invaluable insights. Feedback often brings unpredictable benefits. Just put your work out there!
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