Motivation is the fuel upon which all hobby projects run. This page explores ways to maximize it. In the past I have used the term "taming the muse", but I think I now prefer "hacking motivation" as it asserts more of a feeling of control over the process.
When working on these projects, Tempo Interruptions have a high likelihood of killing motivation.
The more visible the signs of progress, the more small successes can be strung together, the longer the motivation to continue working on the project lasts. This is especially true when working solo.
Projects that involve other people provide additional avenues for hacking motivation.
The more others depend on the project and need progress to be made, the higher the motivation for continuing to work on the project in order to meet their expectations.
This is a corollary to the motivation one gets when scratching a personal itch.
Seeing one's own creation get used either by oneself or others gives an incredible boost to the motivation to continue working on it.
Tempo Interruptions caused by unexpected technical challenges with no clear solution can jeopardize even the strongest motivation to continue a personal project.
In these cases, breaking up work sessions into smaller segments interspersed with successful work on other projects can help.
The smaller segments helps reduce the amount of time spent trying a single approach (along with the resulting frustration).
Interleaving other projects can help keep maintain motivation as it enables at least some of the time spent on hobby projects to produce appreciable results.
Creativity is nurtured by giving it room to explore ideas, but only when that room provides glimpses of the possibility of success as a likely outcome.
I am not motivated to work on something if I am unable to envision myself successfully completing it and for that completion to provide me some durable value that will have made the effort worth the investment.