Not good starter AND even not good finisher

Question

If any body can advice me and help me a little.

It is always difficult for me to start work on new task, but after starting work it is also difficult to finish it in estimated time.

In start I can't grab the whole idea(idea mean how to start development on assigned task e.g. window or webpage etc.) of a task or group of tasks.

If I manage to start (coding) my task, it become very difficult for me to finish it in estimated time, that does not mean I can't finish it but not in time.

BUT if I work In-between some task, it is perfectly all right. I have no difficulty to solve problems in some other developers code etc.

I never go through design patterns. Never, books like code complete etc.

Any suggestion.

Answer 1

Ok it seems like you are good at procrastinating. What would make your tasks easier is to:

1. break them down in smaller chunks.
2. Focus on those chunks completely
3. make sure you don't get distracted
4. if you are not focussing on the main task try and eliminate the reasons why.
5. set smaller targets and reward yourself withh little breaks
6. note down the achievements you've made (no matter how small)

This is all covered by the Pomodoro Technique

Answer 2

Extreme programming. The regular style of programming is that you make a detailed plan and carry it out step by step. This can get tiresome, and often, all you end up with is a plan without any actual code. That's completely useless.. In Extreme Programming, you simply start coding. Just add in what you know you're going to need and make them work together. Get pieces of it to work and get them to work right. Don't build the whole thing and then put it together at the end. Seeing the program compile right and run successfully to do that little piece successfully is a morale booster that'll help you keep coding.

There's a really good video on it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP4o0ArkP4s&feature=player%5Fembedded

Answer 3

Paralysis of analysis?

I have similar problems sometimes with very 'big' problems that I can't see my way into. Generally, after sitting procrastinating for days on end, not getting anywhere, I just start coding. Probably end up throwing away 90% of what I code, but at least while I code I'm learning something about the problem space, and getting my brain into gear.

Another plan would be pair programming - that at least forces you to concentrate on the task in hand, and can help to come up with ideas faster than you would on your own.