Estimating time for complex projects can be challenging due to pitfalls like optimism bias and planning fallacy.Hofstadter's law emphasizes that tasks often take longer than expected, contributing to the difficulty of accurate time estimation.The optimism bias leads to overestimating favorable outcomes and underestimating resources required for projects.The planning fallacy, introduced by Kahneman and Tversky, describes the tendency to underestimate necessary resources in project planning.Strategies like the 2x + 15 rule and Hofstadter multiplier can help improve time estimation for smaller tasks.Complex projects require additional considerations such as clarifying the level of detail in proposals and involving relevant expertise.Mitigating the planning fallacy can involve using real data from past projects or involving third parties for estimates.Involving experienced individuals or relying on actual hours from similar projects can simplify and speed up the estimation process.For detailed proposals, applying specific methodologies and considering variations is crucial to accurate estimation.Consulting with external teams and benchmarking work can help refine estimates and create a competitive environment for project estimation.