Starting a personal project as a frontend developer can be both exciting and daunting. It’s a chance to learn, experiment, and showcase your skills, but without the right approach, it’s easy to lose direction or motivation. I’ve been there—excited about an idea, only to hit roadblocks because I didn’t plan properly. Here’s a guide on what you should do before diving into your next personal project, based on my experiences and what has consistently worked for me.

1. Define Your Project’s Purpose

Before you even open your code editor, take a moment to define your project’s purpose. Why are you doing this? Is it to learn a new framework, build up your portfolio, solve a problem, or just to experiment with a new design concept? A clear goal will keep you focused and motivated throughout the process.

2. Gather Your Inspirations

Creativity often sparks from inspiration, and it can come from anywhere—a beautifully designed site on Dribbble, a unique button style you noticed, or even a cool animation on CodePen. Before starting your project, gather these inspirations. I personally like to create a mood board or a folder where I save screenshots, links, and notes about designs that catch my eye. These references help me shape my project’s look and feel and keep me motivated, especially when I hit creative roadblocks.

Trust me, it’s super helpful to have a visual reference point when you’re stuck figuring out how to style a component or what color scheme to use. And remember, inspiration is not about copying—it’s about guiding your own creative process.

3. Sketch Your Ideas

I used to jump straight into code, thinking I could figure things out as I went along. Big mistake! Now, I always start by sketching my ideas. Grab a notebook and sketch out your project’s layout, user flow, and overall structure. This doesn’t need to be fancy; it’s just about getting your ideas on paper.

Personally, I prefer sketching to using design tools because I’m not a pro designer, and tools can be time-consuming. I simply note down the fonts, colors, and general layout. It’s quick, and it helps me visualize the project before diving into the technical details. If you’re struggling with colors, I’ve found this color palette generator super helpful.

4. Choose Your Tools

Picking the right tools and technologies is crucial. Do you need React, or would vanilla JavaScript suffice? Should you use TailwindCSS or stick to plain CSS? Your choices should align with your project’s goals and your skill level.

For instance, if your goal is to learn React, then definitely go for it. Make sure the tools you choose not only fit the project but also keep you excited and engaged.

5. Set a Realistic Timeline

We’ve all been there: starting a project with all the enthusiasm in the world, only to have it drag on for weeks or even months. Setting a realistic timeline helps keep your project manageable and prevents burnout. Break down the work into smaller, manageable tasks and set deadlines for each.

6. Consider Sharing Your Progress

One thing I’ve found super motivating is sharing my progress. Whether it’s a Twitter thread, a blog post, or a quick update on LinkedIn, sharing your progress publicly can help keep you accountable. James Clear talks about this in his book Atomic Habits—making your goals or progress visible can push you toward your desired outcome.

Personal projects are a fantastic way to explore your creativity, sharpen your skills, and build something that’s truly yours. These steps have worked for me, and while they’re not the only way to approach a project, they’ve been my go-to for staying on track and finishing what I start. I’d love to hear what works for you! Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments—I’m always on the lookout for new tips and tricks!