1. Reviewing Old Code
Reading old code acts as a skill snapshot that helps you see ways to improve it, realize how far you have come, and recover your motivation.
Hear it at 0:08 →Engineering video
0:53 · 17 February 2023
How To Build Unstoppable Motivation As A Software Developer
Key concepts in this video:
2. Mentoring Junior Developers
Helping junior developers exposes you to their contagious curiosity and excitement, helping you regain your own enthusiasm.
Hear it at 0:22 →3. Stepping Away From the Screen
Taking a break from staring at a screen by going outside, hiking in nature, or seeing friends helps counteract the negative health effects of constant computer work.
Hear it at 0:34 →Transcript
If you're feeling demotivated as a developer, maybe you're not making progress at your job and you've lost the excitement for the craft. Here are three ways to get your motivation back. Number one, hey, just go back and read some of your old code. Old code is like a snapshot of your skills at any given time. When you're going to see it, you'll find like 10 different ways on how to improve it and realize how far you've come and get back in your mojo.
Number two, mentor a junior developer. You see, junior developers see everything for the first time. So they have this high levels of curiosity and excitement that it's contagious. By helping them, you'll get part of that excitement back. And finally, go outside. Staring at a screen 5 to 6 days a week, every week, has terrible effects on your mental and physical health. If you feel a bit down, just close your code editor and run away from your computer screen.
If you can, go for a hike in nature or catch up with some friends.