Focus Mode

Chrome extension to block distracting websites

CATEGORY
technical
TIMELINE
2021–2022
MADE
solo
INVESTED
months
STOPPED AT
significant work done
REASON
burned out
A browser extension that blocks distracting websites during work hours but in a smarter way than existing tools. Would learn your patterns and suggest blocks, not just enforce rigid rules. Wanted to help people build better habits without feeling punished.
Built a working prototype. It could block sites, track patterns, and show useful analytics. Had about 20 beta testers using it. Code was clean and well-documented.
I was building this while working full-time as a developer. After 8 hours of coding at work, I had no mental energy to code for myself. Weekends became about recovery, not side projects. Stopped opening the codebase. Eventually uninstalled my own extension.
Started going to the gym instead of coding at night.