[quote name='snugsound' timestamp='1356369889' post='5013977']
Well at the core it sounds like an issue with self-motivation. I struggle with this a fair bit in my life: there are so many things I want to do, and am perfectly capable of doing, but there's something holding me back (read: myself).
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That definitely sounds like me :).

[quote name='snugsound' timestamp='1356369889' post='5013977']
Some people are great at motivating others in a positive manner; try to surround yourself with these types of people and remove any sources of negativity from your life.
[/quote]

My friends do tend to be a little to pessimistic and competitive (negatively). This is a little difficult to solve; maybe I shouldn't talk about my projects to them at all and avoid the possibility of those responses (while also limiting congratulatory responses as well). That is a little extreme though :)

[quote name='snugsound' timestamp='1356369889' post='5013977']
Also, try not to think too big. The more "little successes" you have the easier it will be to eventually work your way up to something bigger, and at the end of the day you'll feel a lot better about yourself/your work having actually completed a few projects.
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It is definitely hard for me to not think so big. My ideas (that I don't ever put into code) tend to grow into massively complex systems that don't necessarily have to be there. I should probably avoid any projects that may be out of my skill range/available time and just save them for later.

I also found this thread on TIGSource. The guy has the same problems I do.

I've been programming for three years now and am confident in my abilities to make two dimensional games. I also have lots of ideas for games that I want to develop.

The main problem I'm having is what to do next. I usually come up with an idea, mull it over for a few days, write it down, get excited about it, then get discouraged about the idea, my life, and various other things and abandon the idea. Remember that technology isn't the problem here.

What do you do once you have an idea you'd potentially like to explore, especially in a timely manner?

Random ideas come and go, and aren't worth anything. Just work on the ideas that DON'T fade away after a few days. All this stuff becomes grunt work after the initial rush wears off. You won't follow through on a random idea for the same reason you aren't going to take up random chores that don't need to be done.

And when you do get a good idea that lasts. Make a small proof of concept for it first. It's only a bit of work and it will let you know if the idea is worth pursuing. It might turn out that your game mechanics don't work logically (only magically in your head), or that it's not fun, or that it will take so much work to actually complete, that it's not worth your time, or needs to be dialed back.

[quote name='Daaark' timestamp='1356573316' post='5014574']
Random ideas come and go, and aren't worth anything. Just work on the ideas that DON'T fade away after a few days. All this stuff becomes grunt work after the initial rush wears off. You won't follow through on a random idea for the same reason you aren't going to take up random chores that don't need to be done.
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So ideas that I think about weeks after their inception?

[quote name='Daaark' timestamp='1356573316' post='5014574']
And when you do get a good idea that lasts. Make a small proof of concept for it first. It's only a bit of work and it will let you know if the idea is worth pursuing. It might turn out that your game mechanics don't work logically (only magically in your head), or that it's not fun, or that it will take so much work to actually complete, that it's not worth your time, or needs to be dialed back.
[/quote]

That's when I make quick prototypes. Do you mean I should give ideas a few weeks to cook and if I think they're worth it get a prototype as soon as possible?