Side projects can be rewarding but also very grueling. Finding time to work on them requires so much discipline.
I've been working on Checkbox Reader for the past two years. It's a simple app that keeps me motivated to read books by breaking down each book into checkboxes that can be completed a few minutes at a time. As you can see, motivation is very important to me!
As a developer, I've found a lot of value in working on side projects. They give me a chance to try new technologies, and it's also very satisfying to explore new ideas and see them take shape.
However, the most frustrating aspect of side projects is probably finishing them. Without the pressure of a deadline, most side projects remain incomplete, gathering digital dust in forgotten repositories.
This is exactly what happened with Checkbox Reader. I started building it in 2023 as a simple tool to help me stay motivated while reading books. The concept was straightforward: break down each book into small, manageable checkboxes that could be completed in just a few minutes of reading time. That way, I can turn a few minutes of idle time into productive progress and extend my reading streak.
But having ideas is easy. Execution is hard. Even though this is not a technically challenging project, still it was quite a chore to get it ready for launch. At many points over the last couple of years, I didn't think the project would get completed.
The Long Road to Launch
Like many side projects, Checkbox Reader began with lots of excitement. Within four weeks, after fervently coding, we had a somewhat working prototype. It was enough for me to try the app out on my own phone.
But as quickly as it started, procrastination set in. For weeks, I simply didn't feel motivated to work on it. I realized I needed to structure this side project the HeroMode way: create an adventure, and lay out the quests that would lead to the finish line. Then, when I have a few hours here and there, try to knock out a quest or two.
Above: Working on Checkbox Reader over the span of two plus years.
Define Finish Line
In order to finish a side project, I need to define what the finish line looks like. So that I can create HeroMode quests that, one step at a time, would get me closer to launch. So, in the middle of last year, I sat down and listed out the "minimal shippable product." Checkbox Reader will not be perfect. But it should be functional for what it sets out to do.
The launch requirements became HeroMode quests. Many of them stayed in my HeroMode home screen for months. But eventually, they got done.
Vacations are Great for Momentum
I find myself most productive on side projects when there is a long weekend or a few days off. So Christmas time and New Year were great for momentum. I used these times to complete the more complex features, such as data transfer with QR code scan.
Hello World Checkbox Reader
It certainly took a while, but it's finally done! Allow me to give you a quick tour.
Above: Splash screen of Checkbox Reader.
Above: Adding a book in Checkbox Reader is easy with the Google Books integration.
Above: Each book becomes a series of checkboxes of just a few pages at a time.
Above: Complete a checkbox to extend your reading streak.
Above: You can review books you have read. Over time, you would build up your very own library!
Above: You can share your stats and book reviews with your friends, on your own terms.
Do you have your own side projects? How do you stay motivated and make progress? For me, HeroMode plays a big part, and I am very curious to hear your approach!