I think that part of the problem for me was that most jobs took something that could be an art and a craft (computer programming and system-building) and turned it into a grueling, feature-deadline driven assembly line for uninspiring, unpolished, and unremarkable products.
This was a complete productivity killer for me. For a long time, I blamed myself. I tried different techniques, motivations, even prescribed substances. Eventually, I realized that the problem was with what I was doing with my time.
Now that I am programming for myself, I have all the motivation that I need. I am not beholden to deadlines or commitments, I am free to Do It Right, refactor as I see fit, and finish whatever I'm working on with the level of Quality that I am happy with.
I get more done in a two-hour session than I used to in a day and sometimes a week.
This was a complete productivity killer for me. For a long time, I blamed myself. I tried different techniques, motivations, even prescribed substances. Eventually, I realized that the problem was with what I was doing with my time.
Now that I am programming for myself, I have all the motivation that I need. I am not beholden to deadlines or commitments, I am free to Do It Right, refactor as I see fit, and finish whatever I'm working on with the level of Quality that I am happy with.
I get more done in a two-hour session than I used to in a day and sometimes a week.