Burnout is an occupational hazard for solo developers. Without a team to share the load, the pressure to deliver everything — code, art, design, marketing — can be overwhelming.
My Three Pillars
1. Time Blocking
I divide my day into focused work blocks of 90 minutes, separated by 30-minute breaks. No meetings, no notifications, just deep work.
2. The 80% Rule
Perfect is the enemy of shipped. I aim for 80% quality on the first pass and iterate only when necessary. Most players won't notice the difference.
3. Physical First
I prioritize sleep, exercise, and nutrition over late-night coding sessions. A well-rested developer produces better code in half the time.
Burnout isn't a badge of honor. Take care of yourself first.