My goal is to just make a finished game within the time frame without giving up! What have been some tips or tricks you guys found to stay on task or to make sure you don't drop the jam halfway through? I've done things like try to make my project more simple but I feel that ends up limiting the final product.

Try to find someone to jam with. All Game Jams I did so far were in person at a set location, so I don't know how easy or hard it is to get a partner online. If you want to work solo, at least show off some of your art or gameplay to your friends.

I use Trello, it’s a great free task manager.

I would say the one key element to stay focused is to not put too much pressure upon yourself. I think it is normal that people want to have amazing results but we should all take care of our physical and mental health!

If you do manage to make a game (which is totally fine when you don't - afterall gamejams are great because you don't need to) you could also try to think of how cool it is to have a project that you made in 48h that you can showcase in your portfolio! :D

I look at the deadline  ;D

all jokes aside a good project planner really helps. I use Hacknplan but there's a lot of option out there