We have endless access to high-quality tutorials (freeCodeCamp, YouTube, documentation), yet the ability to build from scratch seems to be dropping. We optimize for the feeling of learning (watching a video) rather than the pain of debugging.

I tried standard "discipline" techniques (Pomodoro, blocking apps) to force myself to build, but they failed.

So I ran an experiment: I wrote a discord bot that tracks my GitHub activity. The Rule: If I don't push a commit or ship a project update in 30 days, the bot permanently bans me from my own community.

Result: The fear of "social rejection" and losing access worked instantly. I’ve shipped more in 7 days than in the last 6 months.

I documented the logic and the "NPC Trap" theory here: https://youtu.be/i2xdJ5ISoTI

My Question: Is relying on "fear/stakes" sustainable for long-term engineering growth, or is this just a recipe for burnout? Curious to hear if others use "high stakes" commitments to ship side projects.