habitica.com/

It's a way to gamify your to-do list, plus any lasting habits you want to establish. I'm considering signing up… has anyone given it a shot?

For people who have difficulties with attention?

I did, but I wouldn't recommend it. I think the distinction between habits, daily tasks, and todos is quite useful. However, it doesn't work as a real todo-list because the navigation (sorting, filtering etc.) of the todos is really clumsy. It especially doesn't help with planning because data entry is also not very comfortable. Probably because it's a JavaScript Browser App.

Also the RPG characteristics were not very motivating, at least for me. It might be if it is used in a group --- many of the features are geared towards multi-player. So, as a single user I don't see much difference between collecting XP in Habitica or the points system in Todoist, for example.

I think it's probably best to separate habits, personal goals etc. from project specific tasks. And to use a more functional application for the latter --- Outlook, Todoist, OmniFocus or something similar. For habits specifically there are some new apps out. But they cost money because they are designed and maintained by academic psychologists. One is The Fabulous by the Duke University’s Center for Advanced Hindsight, especially inspired by Dan Ariely's research (https://www.thefabulous.co/ Another one, for more severe and particular problems, is Claritas Mind by Judson Brewer, among other affiliations Yale University School of Medicine (www.claritasmind.com).

Maybe there are other ones, too. What they have in common is that they are based on both experimental and large-scale statistical research, and focus on the physical and psychological benefits of "mindfulness". So, the apps basically want you to do things outside of your todo-list, because that's where habit formation takes place (meditation, reflection, exercises etc.).

Habitica basically requires you to already be able to actually implement your goals and gives no further assistance. The only real support would be to use it in a group to create pressure on individual members to conform to their habits to score points --- basically a network effect. But I think in terms of individual reward based learning it is not very effective, unless you are really compelled by getting a new sword for your avatar it will not positively reinforce behavior. And it will certainly not break negative feedback loops.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Daly

'distinction between habits, daily tasks, and todos is quite useful.'

yea software for different uses are needed

glandular distinction of todos is also important