views:

68

answers:

4

Many times I find myself working on a project with very little rewards. These projects tend to take the wind out of my sails.

To overcome this there is a few things that sometimes works. Some of my favourites are writing small graphical applications or to clone an old game. Actually anything that gives quick, visual results will work for me. This tend to give me some energy and feel a sense of accomplishment (even if it's just a little).

What do you do to regain programming gumption?

+1  A: 

Visit StackOverflow

Oddthinking
+2  A: 

Well, I bring to mind how much I get paid to do it, which always brings a smile to my face.

High Performance Mark
Upvote just for that! Also, a stopwatch helps keep me going: keeps me focused, and reminds me that (my) time is (my) money.
Frank Shearar
+4  A: 

I usually have several features in my todo list. (Haha.)

When I get stuck, I choose an item that I know is quick and easy. The feeling of accomplishment at solving that problem/implementing that feature gives me momentum enough to go back to the grindstone.

If that doesn't work, I take a break: meditate, or read, or shoot the breeze. Something completely different from work helps clear the air.

Frank Shearar
A: 

I play violent videogames with friends while drinking beer all weekend.

Blowing some steam off while blowing some (virtual) heads off can do great things for getting your energy back. :)

wasatz