Discipline, quantified.
Cortex Beta is a free discipline engine that combines journaling, to-do lists, and Pomodoro timers with an XP system that makes consistency visible and rewarding.
"No man is free who is not master of himself."
— Epictetus
Built by a Millennium Fellow. Research at Duke, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Fudan University.
The Problem
Modern life is filled with distractions. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that switching between tasks increases errors and slows completion time. Productivity drops by as much as 40 percent when people attempt to multitask. Traditional to-do lists often become long guilt lists because there is no feedback loop that rewards progress or enforces accountability. Habits without reinforcement tend to fade, and timers without meaning are abandoned.
What Cortex Beta Offers
Built on neuroscience research and behavioral psychology principles
Journal
Writing is more than reflection. Decades of research on expressive writing demonstrate that consistent journaling improves cognitive clarity, reduces stress, and can even support physical wellbeing. Cortex integrates journaling into your discipline loop so every entry counts toward visible progress.
To-Do List
Tasks do not just sit on a page. In Cortex, they are connected directly to your XP system. When you complete a task you gain XP. When you miss one you lose XP. This structure transforms your to-do list from a passive tracker into an active accountability partner.
XP System
Behavioral economics shows that people are twice as motivated to avoid losses as they are to pursue gains. Cortex applies this principle by rewarding consistent action and penalizing missed commitments. The result is a system that makes discipline tangible and progress measurable.
Quick XP
Small wins matter. Cortex allows you to give yourself instant XP for micro-victories or deduct points for slips. This immediate reinforcement taps into your brain's dopamine learning system, making habits stick through clear feedback.
Timers & Pomodoro
Time-boxing is one of the most reliable methods to maintain focus. Cognitive psychology studies show that short, structured work sessions followed by brief breaks reduce mental fatigue and sustain performance. Cortex links every completed Pomodoro session to XP so that focus directly builds momentum.
Global Accessibility
Cortex Beta is available in 3 languages: English (main build), Arabic, and French. Built for a worldwide community with cultural adaptations and right-to-left support. More languages coming based on community feedback.
Beta Community
Join our exclusive beta community and help shape the future of productivity tools. Get early access to new features, direct input on product development, and recognition as a founding user. Your feedback drives our roadmap.
Our Mission
Cortex exists to make discipline measurable, rewarding, and sustainable. Our goal is to design tools that respect your attention, reduce cognitive friction, and transform execution into the default state. By combining neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and elegant design, Cortex gives you a framework to operate at your highest level.
"Turning discipline into data, and progress into proof."
About the Founder
Ilias Mahboub
I study Molecular Bioscience at Duke Kunshan University and Duke University, conducting clinical neurobiology research and behavioral science studies. I have worked at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University for research, volunteering, educational purposes, and more. I am collaborating with behavioral science professors at Duke Kunshan University to build this tool around real scientific frameworks. I am a Millennium Fellow working on projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. I speak seven languages, play football among other sports, enjoy music, play classical guitar, and juggle many hobbies with the same framework.
"Clarity. Discipline. Compounding wins. The same code I followed is the code Cortex runs on."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why journaling?
Meta-analyses show that expressive writing leads to improvements in clarity of thought, stress reduction, and long-term wellbeing. Cortex makes journaling an active part of your progress loop by attaching XP to each entry.
Why XP and streaks?
Implementation intention studies demonstrate that specific plans combined with reinforcement greatly increase the likelihood of goal attainment. By linking tasks to XP and streaks, Cortex turns theory into practice and keeps you accountable.
Why Pomodoro timers?
Time-boxed work reduces fatigue and supports sustained focus. Research shows that shorter sessions with scheduled breaks help the brain perform at higher levels for longer. Cortex connects each Pomodoro cycle to XP so that focus is rewarded.
