Before I Start

A tiny ritual before important work — light the incense, focus while it burns down. When it is gone, you are done.

Try it live

Type a task, press START — the incense lights and burns down over your session.

How the ritual works

Name it first
Type what you are starting — “finish my website”, “study chapter 4”. Naming the task is half the ritual.
The object is the timer
A match strike, the ember catches, smoke curls upward — and the incense physically burns down over 15, 25, 45 or 60 minutes. No countdown pressure; just a quiet object changing while you work.
DONE, with proof
When the ember reaches the holder a soft chime plays, your session is recorded, and streaks build day by day.
It survives interruption
Close the window mid-session — the incense keeps burning. Come back to find it faithfully burning down, or already done.
Private by default
No accounts, no tracking — your tasks and sessions stay on your device.

Keep it nearby

Windows
Soon

macOS
Soon

Linux
Soon

Android & iOS
Soon

The web app works today on every device — open it and choose “Add to Home Screen” to keep the ritual one tap away.

Before I Start is a small focus companion for developers, designers and students. It is an independent product of Astro Daily.