How to Ship a Side Project After Work Without Doomscrolling

The Challenge of Side Projects Post-Work

Balancing a day job with a side project can be a daunting task, especially when the lure of doomscrolling calls after hours. The constant flow of notifications and the temptation to check social media can lead to a significant drain on your time and focus. Recent studies show that a high percentage of remote workers report feeling fatigued when trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. According to the State of Remote Work, a substantial number of remote workers experience burnout, which can hinder productivity and creativity necessary for your side project.

Setting Up a Structured Work Session

To effectively ship your side project after the day job, it’s essential to adopt a session structure that promotes focus and minimizes distractions. Here’s a structured approach:

1. Choose a Specific Time: Identify a consistent time slot for your side project, such as 7 PM to 9 PM daily. Sticking to a routine can help signal your brain that it’s time to switch gears.
2. Limit Notifications: Before diving into your side project, turn off notifications on your phone and computer. Consider using Do Not Disturb mode on your devices to prevent interruptions.
3. Create a Dedicated Workspace: If possible, set up a specific area in your home dedicated to your side project. This physical separation from other environments can help cue your mind for focused work.
4. Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused sprints of 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This technique can enhance productivity and help maintain your focus. If you find it challenging to concentrate, consider a virtual co-working space like Refocus for virtual body doubling.

Prioritizing Tasks

Once you have established a session structure, it’s time to prioritize your tasks for your side project.

• Define Your Goals: Clearly outline what you want to achieve. For instance, if you’re building a personal website, your goals might include finalizing the design and writing content.
• Break Down Tasks: Divide each goal into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a checklist that you can easily mark off as you complete each item, which can create a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue.
• Use Time Blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for each task during your session. For example, spend the first 30 minutes on design, followed by content writing for 45 minutes. This structured approach can improve your efficiency and prevent overwhelm.

Combatting Doomscrolling

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to get distracted by social media or news apps during your break times. Here are some strategies to help you combat doomscrolling:

• Set a Timer: Limit breaks to 5 minutes, and set a timer. When it goes off, return promptly to your side project.
• Engage in a Quick Physical Activity: Instead of scrolling, use your break to do something physical, like stretching or a quick walk. This not only helps clear your mind but also improves focus.
• Mindfulness Practices: Consider incorporating short mindfulness practices. A few minutes of deep breathing or meditation can greatly improve your mental clarity and reduce the urge to scroll mindlessly.

Measuring Progress

Regularly review your progress to keep motivation high. Schedule weekly check-ins to assess what you’ve accomplished and where adjustments are needed. This can create an opportunity to celebrate the small victories and recalibrate your plan. The OECD emphasizes that regular assessments are crucial for maintaining productivity, especially in remote work settings.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Side Projects

By creating a structured approach to work on your side project and actively combatting distractions like doomscrolling, you can make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, the key is not just about doing more but doing effectively. While the challenge is significant, focusing on clarity and a defined schedule can help you ship your side project successfully. For more insights on overcoming distractions, see our post on the flaw in ‘just focus’ advice.