There is no universal answer to this. With everyone having varied amounts of available time, other commitments and responsibilities, neurodivergences and other factors, it is impossible to come up with some kind of formula that applies to all circumstances.
The best we can do is:
- Don't beat yourself up, and mind that negative self-talk when you don't get all the work done that you expected to.
- Document. A lot. You think you will remember Small Detail X. You won't, especially after switching to a different project for awhile. Leave yourself a good map.
- Stop comparing yourself or your progress to others. It's not as valuable as you think.
- Be realistic about your limits. We see a lot of mythology surrounding our heroes, painting them as these one-man armies or superhuman go machines. They aren't. They had help, usually from other people. A lot of other people.
- If it stops being enjoyable, walk away. Misery is not a character builder like grandpa might have implied.
The best we can do is:
- Don't beat yourself up, and mind that negative self-talk when you don't get all the work done that you expected to.
- Document. A lot. You think you will remember Small Detail X. You won't, especially after switching to a different project for awhile. Leave yourself a good map.
- Stop comparing yourself or your progress to others. It's not as valuable as you think.
- Be realistic about your limits. We see a lot of mythology surrounding our heroes, painting them as these one-man armies or superhuman go machines. They aren't. They had help, usually from other people. A lot of other people.
- If it stops being enjoyable, walk away. Misery is not a character builder like grandpa might have implied.