The author describes the familiar struggle of starting numerous coding projects but failing to finish them, leading to a cycle of enthusiasm, struggle, and disappointment known as the Hydra Project Effect. The allure of endless projects lies in the potential and comfort they offer, while the fear of finality, perfectionism, and avoidance of difficult decisions contribute to project procrastination. The cost of never finishing includes missed opportunities for skill growth, mental clutter, and a drain on creativity and productivity. The author proposes strategies for taming the Project Hydra, such as defining “Done” from the start, embracing MVP, time-boxing projects, practicing finishing small tasks, separating ideation from implementation, celebrating completions, and embracing accountability. Through consistent effort and application of these strategies, the author aims to develop better habits and increase the chances of completing projects.
https://www.bytedrum.com/posts/art-of-finishing/