Question: A bit of background: I've got a small open source project that I've started on, a basic framework which provides an object oriented means of generating HTML code (since I don't really like HTML, and I do like PHP). It has some released source, and a few downloads, but primarily, the project is for me, with the Open Source portion just being a side benefit. 

The original project which caused me to be able to develop on this project has mostly gone into hibernation for the time being, which means that all the development I get to sink into it at this point is personal time only. Unfortunately, I'm currently working toward my bachelor's degree, studying for certifications, and I have a three month old baby at home. In short, by the time I get around to "me time", I rarely feel like doing work, but rather usually feel like just chilling out.

So, if there's anyone else out there who feels like they're in a similar position, what strategies have you used to keep yourself motivated toward working on the project? I would really like to at least be able to work on this until I have 100% spec coverage, but I haven't committed source in months. Anyone out there who can help?

Answer: 
If you are asking yourself how to find time working on your open source project, this may indicates that you are willing to work on too much things at the same time.

You may not be able to physically handle everything and the consequence is that you will be bad in most things you will work on because of the lack of time and focus.

Think about your baby! And your bachelor degree! It's already 2 FULL TIME projects believe me!

*Unless your open source project is more important than your baby or your bachelor degree, abandon your open source project for now.*
Most people have a fair amount of downtime that they use watching television. (This doesn't normally apply to parents of three-month-olds.) It isn't generally a matter of finding time, but finding energy and motivation.

Are you usually able to sleep through the night? I wasn't when my kid was that old. If you're not getting enough sleep, you're going to have a hard enough time with your schoolwork, let alone an outside project.

So, spend time with your wife and kid. Don't worry about extra projects for now, there will be more time for that a few years from now.