Ask HN: The “I want to do everything but end up doing nothing” dilemma

Exactly what I wanted to say, the last 20% of the project is always hardest without which whole project is unusable except you.

YES. I absolutely, unequivocally, strongly recommend this book!

I have the same exact problem. Im a self employed technology Consultant who deals with everything from desktop support, Office IT consulting, security systems, Home theater systems, web site design, and much more, with a lot of experience in the field. I have the same problem though, every month and sometimes every week, im on a new adventure. One week I want to actually get an MCSE, no but wait Linux is going to take over the world, let me study linux more, no wait everything is going to be scripted, lets study python, oh but wait all those jobs are moving to india, you have to be in UX where there is more creativity, man Im bored with this, I want to study cryptography which is way more interesting, Cryptography is fun, but do you really see yourself in the crypto field, finance is fun too and you can make a shit ton of money on your own, etc etc -And It's a cycle, Ill be back to square one in a years time or so. As far as how I deal with it, well, I already have a career, it being my own business, so I'm not really needing to pass any exam or anything, I kind of do all that stuff for fun and I do enjoy it. But it is frustrating not being able to stick to one thing really. I think the key is to push through the boring, frustrating parts. When you hit the lows in fun and interesting, you have to keep pushing through. I know it's harder than it sounds. A couple of suggestions would be try getting a partner that you can study with. I know it doesnt work for everyone but its a thought. Also, maybe learning through an actual project might get you to stick through it.

Good luck

Create a study group or get yourself an accountability buddy or coach who you check in with on a weekly basis. Could even be a friend who's not involved but whom you commit to emailing every week with an update and a goal for next week (maybe give him $100 that he'll only return if you follow through emailing every week). You can also do this via a public study log - blog, forum, etc that you update weekly or daily. Nothing is as useful as a little external social pressure and support. This seems particularly relevant in your case since you say you've tried doing this on your own before. Then, I'd combine that with actually having your schedule for those 4 months worked out, know what has to be done by when. Best of luck.