I'm in the same boat. Graduated last year, started on my project 3 months ago, and I've barely just got a working prototype up now. You just have to bite the b

I'm in the same boat. Graduated last year, started on my project 3 months ago, and I've barely just got a working prototype up now. You just have to bite the bullet... work 9 to 5. Then get home, and work some more. Then work weekends. I've tried several strategies to get myself to be more productive - block reddit and HN (didn't last long). - block out all external distractions;use headphones, loud music of choice. For music, try to stick to ambient stuff (classical, techno, things without lyrics). I find that songs with lyrics distracts my train of thought as well. - have a good environment to work. If you're comfortable you'll fall into the zone a lot easier. Although, if you want to change it up a little, try and find a local coworking meetup group. - anytime you are not working, be thinking of your business. Your startup has to be your life and soul if you want to go all the way. e.g. when you're showering, sitting on the toilet, commuting, walking or having lunch, before you sleep. On the way home you should be thinking about what you want to accomplish tonight, and aim towards that as soon as you get back. - talk to people about it. If you're talking to people and they're not convinced, that means: a) your idea sucks and you're deluding yourself, b) your idea may have potential, but you are not confident about it enough to be able to convince other people, or c) your idea is great, but other people don't see it <-- this rarely ever happens. But ultimately, by talking to people, you face objections. Objections are the number 1 crucial factor in selling; you cannot sell someone a product if they don't tell you what they're worried about. So talking to people lets you build up a portfolio of objections that you can counter with solutions, and you'll grow more confident with your idea. More confidence = more enthusiasm and productivity. Sure your work is going to take a hit... but if you're already working on being self-sufficient, I doubt your job is the last thing you're worried about. (Here I am writing Access VBAs, and Excel macros...)