Section 1: The Developer's Idea Overflow
- Developers often have a flood of new ideas—apps, tools, and side projects they want to build.
- This creative energy is great, but it can lead to a backlog of unfinished projects.
Section 2: The Domain Name Collection Habit
- Many developers buy domain names as a way to "start" their projects.
- While it feels productive, it's often a superficial step that doesn't involve actual development.
Section 2.5: When Buying a Domain Is the Right First Step
While buying a domain name can sometimes be a false start, there are valid situations where it makes sense to lock it in early:
- You have a strong brand identity: If you’ve landed on a name that’s unique, memorable, and tied closely to your business or product vision, grabbing the .com (and related domains) early helps ensure consistency across platforms and prevents someone else from claiming it.
- The domain is personally valuable: YourName.ca, for example, might not have an immediate use, but it's a great long-term asset. You can use it for a personal portfolio, a branded email address, or even redirect it to future projects.
- Limited availability: If the domain is highly desirable, short, or niche-specific, and you see potential for it—even down the road—it's often worth securing before it's gone.
- Part of a broader launch strategy: When you're actively building a product and plan to secure social handles, branding assets, and legal names, buying the domain as part of that checklist makes sense.
Section 3: The Importance of a Meaningful First Step
- The first step in any project should be something that moves the idea forward in a tangible way.
- Examples of meaningful first steps include writing a basic prototype or creating a simple feature.
Section 4: Matt's Personal Note on Deep Work
- For Matt, setting up a development environment, while important, isn't always enough to create a real connection to the project.
- A "big juicy step"—like diving into actual problem-solving or building a core feature—can immerse you in the project and lead to deep, focused work.
- Once you're fully engaged in solving a real problem, the momentum can carry you forward for hours, fostering a deeper commitment to the project.
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