<I rarely start anything because I can't come up with any 'perfect' ideas.> You have probably heard the expression "the perfect is the enemy of the good" which

<I rarely start anything because I can't come up with any 'perfect' ideas.> You have probably heard the expression "the perfect is the enemy of the good" which might be the trap you are in. The meaning of that expression is that sometimes we are waiting or hoping for the perfect job, that dream girl or the ideal house that meet all our expectations and needs while life passes us by as perfectly suitable jobs, girls or houses drift passed without action to actually achieve them. This is a mistake. Pure speculation here, but also I suspect that you have lost the connection between your actions and your ownership of (and pride in) some project or idea or whatever. This issue is wider than programming projects because it applies to anything that you might do. What I think you need to do is pick a project or something that will make your life better and that you might enjoy just doing for the sake of doing. Not to please anyone but yourself, not to make money but to make you happy. It doesn't necessarily have to be programming but a decent sized project that will push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you in some way. By way of example, a couple of years ago a client's husband died and she offered me his garage full of tools. I had not wrenched in decades but I couldn't say no so I took her up on her offer. Now I had a garage full of tools and nothing to do so I decided to buy and fix up a motorcycle. I went through a project bike from stem to stern and really challenged myself to not only do the project but to do it right and actually complete it. It took a year and it was a real slog but I finished it and it is now one of my proudest achievements. Every time I press that starter button I feel a real sense of pride and true ownership. This is what you need right now, something, anything to take on and tackle for and by yourself and not for the fame or fortune. It could be anything but I recommend something not programming relates; something tangible or physical such as a new skill or activity like piano or hiking or biking or skiing, etc. whatever you want. Just sink your teeth into and feel what it is like to really own a project. I think this might revive your sense of ownership and pride in whatever you do, even programming.