When I'm working on a project for myself, I tend to code in stealth mode, and don't talk to anyone or show it to anyone, until its 100% perfect and complete. This time, I, accidentally got myself to talk to users first.<p>My current project is a tool to help developers overcome procrastination. (Yes, I struggle with this, a lot)<p>Basically, just like Google Maps gives you a series of steps (turn right / turn left) until you get to your destination, I want something that breaks up my big tasks (e.g Add Stripe integration) to a bunch of tiny steps (Read docs, add Stripe.js....). And calculates the best way to get me to actually do the tasks (do I need a lot of breaks, do I just need to sit and code for 2 hours, etc).<p>But, while I could build this for other backend devs like myself, what about everyone else? I had to talk to other devs.<p>I put out an offer to do free, 1-on-1 audio calls to coach devs struggling w/ procrastination. Many people responded, and I've done several, deep convos with brilliant, struggling people. The insights I've learnt have blown my mind, and so many of them are actionable, e.g<p>- What kinds of things cause procrastination. (Perfectionism, complexity (e.g a lot of rules), boredom (e.g recoding a feature you already finished))<p>- How much of a problem procrastination is in their life. (The consensus seems to be, my life would be radically different and better if I didn't procrastinate)<p>- Some even shared screenshots of their todos / trello. Really valuable, and directly related to my project.<p>I can't recommend doing user interviews before building highly enough. This is going to be my strategy for all projects going forward.<p>P.S I'm still taking calls to help developers overcome procrastination. I've learnt how severely this can impact a developer's life. If this applies to you, you don't have to keep struggling.<p>Book a free coaching call: https://calendly.com/aliakhtar/60min