In 2011, I shipped 6 apps to the app store. In the first 3 weeks of 2012, I have shipped 3 apps. So what has changed? I have set a few new rules for the new year that have dramatically changed my productivity level.
- Set Deadlines - Set deadlines and make them aggressive. Going through the process of setting and trying to meet a deadline will force you to prioritize what is most important in your project. Even if you miss your deadline, you will get more done in that time than you would have without a deadline. Setup Google Calendar/iCal in One Step
- Use Timers – Next time you are working on a feature ask yourself “What if I had to do this in an hour?” Suddenly, all of the most important details are clear as day. I am not a proponent of rushing your work, however, I do encourage you to work on what needs to be done and only what needs to be done. Check out http://e.ggtimer.com/ for quick and easy timers.
- Be Embarrassed- Y Combinator Founder, Paul Graham, has been known to say the following-
“If you aren’t embarrassed when it launches, you waited too long.” – PG
This quote is great because it encourages you to get your product out and into the hands of the users. If the core requirements are met, ship. You can always iterate and patch if needed.
Whenever some asks me about an idea they have for an app. The first question I ask is -
“Do you suffer from the problem you are trying to solve?”
I ask this because solving a problem that you experience yourself has many implicit benefits.
- You understand the problem and want to see it solved.
- You understand the community and people involved.
- You know what competition is out there and why it doesn’t work
Sometimes it seems like something is impossible. Worse off, someone tells you, “You can’t do it”. It is important to stay focused on your goal no matter how difficult it may be.
If you are ever concerned that this is not true take a few minutes and complete this simple exercise.
1. List out all the people who said you couldn’t do it.
2. List out all the people that believe in you.
3. List out all of your personal heroes.
4. Think about what your heroes would do in this situation.
5. Ask yourself if any of your heroes had to deal with anyone like someone on your haters list.
6. Ask yourself what everyone of your supporters would say.
Focus on the future and believe in yourself. You can do it and no one can stop you.
This article was written by Steve Derico an iPhone Developer and founder of Bixby Apps. You can follow him on Twitter @stevederico or email him at steve@stevederico.com.
