The automatic tracking is nice. I used streaks and some other apps for a little while and never got in the habit of using them.
That of course limits the sorts of habits you can start using this method.
Hacking Habit Development with iOS Shortcuts
21–26 of 26 posts
Re: Hacking Habit Development with iOS Shortcuts
#22> So far, I'm 100% covering every day
My problem with all such tracking is - what happens to your motivation when the streak breaks?
Re: Hacking Habit Development with iOS Shortcuts
#23for me what works is widgets on my phone home screen "press to complete" and scheduling my time. no prompts because i ignore them, no opening the habit tracking app because i won't bother
Re: Hacking Habit Development with iOS Shortcuts
#24> So far, I'm 100% covering every day My problem with all such tracking is - what happens to your motivation when the streak breaks?
I’m doomed :) I posted on another comment but there are other more passive streaks in place too. I only have 2-3 apps on the Home Screen and a 6 app “Siri suggested” widget that cycles the apps based on how I use my phone. These means I’m training the iOS algo to “prompt” these healthier app uses and they show up.
It seems silly, why not just put those apps on the Home Screen? For me, there’s something to the passive nature that reinforces the “this is what I do” vs “this is what I have to do” that keeps me on track.
Re: Hacking Habit Development with iOS Shortcuts
#25for me what works is widgets on my phone home screen "press to complete" and scheduling my time. no prompts because i ignore them, no opening the habit tracking app because i won't bother
I like this! Simple. I have the same problem with prompts. The worst for me in the past was when I did the behavior but forgot to log it. Then I’d get the depressing “you broke the streak” prompts and give up.
Worth noting the first goal is to just do the behavior, the Streaks app prompt is just a safety net. If all goes well, I should only see the prompt if I’m about to miss. My own internal habit development keeps the streak alive.
Re: Hacking Habit Development with iOS Shortcuts
#26Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Habits that work aren't habits that were constructed. You said both "habits don't work" and "habits work if they're not constructed". In my experience you're incorrect about the former, and I don't understand the latter. All habits are constructed — they're a conscious act, especially while you're establishing them. If you're trying to build habits, haven't you already thought about why in a pretty comprehensive, i…
Yeah I use words imprecisely, on purpose (doesn't work for everybody). If I had to break it down, when I say "habits don't work", I mean "habits that you consciously put effort into and construct will end up doing more harm to you if you are trying to make real change". When I say "habits work if they're not constructed", I mean that what people repeatedly do every day naturally, what those observing might call habit…
I think we probably have a different experience of what works for us, which is (of course) totally fine and not unexpected.
For me, habits must be consciously decided things. I can introspect forever, but I need to create a system (supported by habits) in order to set myself up for success.
I appreciate the thoughtful and interesting reply, thank you!