Balance Without Burnout: Part 3 of 3
A short series on how I fit a demanding job, side projects, and staying healthy into the same week. This is what has worked for me over the years.
It took me nine months to build my first app. It was a simple Slack app where managers and their reports could build meeting agendas together. I had to learn some new tech, but nothing too hard.
It stalled out many times. I always blamed it on life getting too busy. That wasn’t the real reason.
The real reason was that I had no clear plan. Every time I sat down to work on it, I had to figure out where I left off and what to do next.
Time wasn’t the problem. Not knowing my next step was.
Fast forward to 2026. My sixth app, CareerCred, took three weeks.
The difference was a plan. Before I wrote any code, I used Claude to produce two docs: a project spec and a dev plan. I wrote more about that process in this post.
The spec covered the tech stack, V1 features, pricing, and beta phase. It was my source of truth for every decision Claude Code and I made.
Then I had Claude turn the spec into a dev plan. Phases, tasks, and subtasks. Each task had to take 30 minutes or less, from code generation to my code review.
So when I sat down to work, I never had to ask, “What’s next?” I just picked up the next task.
If your side project isn’t technical, make a spec and a plan anyway. Writing a book or building a digital product works the same way. You always know what you’re building toward.
You don’t need hours of free time to finish a side project.
I built CareerCred in a few 30-minute blocks during the week and a few 1-hour blocks on the weekend. That was it.
This works because of the plan. A small block is enough when you know the next task. Finish one, and take the win. That’s what makes it easier to come back tomorrow.
One more tip. Find test users early.
When you work alone, you get tunnel vision. Apps have beta testers and books have editors for a reason.
Before launch, give a small group access. Ask what confused them and what they’d change. Their answers will show you what to fix and what to stop building.
A few honest opinions now can save you weeks of work on the wrong thing.
That first app took me nine months. It didn't have to.
I had the time. I didn't have a plan.
That’s the whole series. Movement gives you the energy. Scheduling gives you the room. A plan gives you the direction. You need all three.
If you're stuck right now, start small. Write down the next task, then do it.
What’s the side project you keep meaning to get back to? Just naming it might be the spark you need.
Read Parts 1 and 2:
Stuck on something right now?
I’m offering 2 free coaching sessions next week.
This is for you if:
Work is draining you and there’s nothing left for the rest of your life
You can’t find time for your side project, or you’re struggling to make progress on it
It’s hard to make your mental and physical health a priority
Bring something specific and we’ll work on it together.