Create and own your system to have a successful day
The mental aspects of software development can be daunting. Each day you must help your team create value. Embrace the agency you have and create your system to work each day.
Start-up
One of the most powerful things I have learned is the workday start-up routine. Essentially, outline what you need to get started. Then create a simple checklist to follow.
Following the simple checklist creates momentum for your day. Quick wins that help you feel productive. A confidence boost that everyone needs. This principle is the Free to Focus book.
Work
Talking to many leading software developers I noticed repeated wisdom. Focus on small steps. Instead of trying to understand everything to complete your task, ask “What is the smallest next step I can take?”
Initially, in my technology career, I would try to see the big picture. I realized it could help but it was a form of procrastination. It was changing my big-picture outlook to small made a monumental shift in my work.
Shutdown
I used to work until it was time to be done. Then try and pick things up the next day. Things would slip through the cracks. Important balls were dropped.
Then I began to use the workday shut-down procedure. Like the workday start-up, the main component is capturing the next steps. What do you need to focus on in the morning? Do these things every day.