After doing this for 25 years, I always say "you never get good at estimating, you just get less shitty at it"..
Lots of people don't like that statement, but I stand by it..
I eventually stopped trying to estimate time required to deliver a specific thing, and instead started working backwards and seeing what can be done in the time we have.
It's still estimating, but it's somehow a bit easier, especially if you're willing/able to re-evaluate along the way.
I know that's basically Agile but I removed all the ritualistic BS. ;-)
Lots of people don't like that statement, but I stand by it..
I eventually stopped trying to estimate time required to deliver a specific thing, and instead started working backwards and seeing what can be done in the time we have.
It's still estimating, but it's somehow a bit easier, especially if you're willing/able to re-evaluate along the way.
I know that's basically Agile but I removed all the ritualistic BS. ;-)