For me, the satisfaction from a project is approximately 50% process, 25% recognition and 25% cool factor. Cool factor is just working on cutting edge stuff or

For me, the satisfaction from a project is approximately 50% process, 25% recognition and 25% cool factor. Cool factor is just working on cutting edge stuff or with some tech I'm super excited about. Recognition comes from the community your are doing the project for (team, manager, etc.) recognizing its importance. This typically only happens if you pick projects which solve a business need and communicate that. Preferably lead to higher revenue. Process is the end to end process of systematic identification of the problem via concrete quantitative metrics, formulating a solution using a scientific process, building the system following sound design principles, etc. It's kind of difficult to concretely define. What it is not is putting out fire after fire everyday. This is the recipe of successful project I enjoy nowadays. The recipe changes from person to person and time to time. The way to figure out your recipe is to introspect. Cut out the noise of FOMO, hyped tech, etc. A good article I have read recently about deciding what you want is https://waitbutwhy.com/2018/04/picking-career.html https://waitbutwhy.com/2018/04/picking-career.html. This will explain how to introspect in great detail.