iPhone apps for forming habits

There_Goes_Trouble

I've been looking and looking but can't figure out where to post this. The mobile phone forum doesn't seem to talk about apps and neither does the techie forum. So I've posted here because I want to ask a 'review/recommend' type of question, of people who would use these types of apps, I'm not asking for technical help. However, please move it if I've got it wrong.

So, I find apps useful tools for helping me remember to do things and to track what I've done. I've used an app very successfully for weight management and I benefit from being able to see on screen what I need to do and how I'm progressing. I'd like to start using a 'habits' app to help me become more organised at home in getting regular tasks done that I have a tendency to forget. I do write lists, but I often forget to check my list whereas I love my phone and use it a lot during the day, so would look at the apps more frequently.

So far I've narrowed my choice down to 'Way of Life' (£2.99) or 'The Habit Factor' (£4.99). I prefer the interface and set up of WoL, I find it very easy to use and can see my progress easily. THF has a couple of extra features that might be useful, but I find it a bit more complicated to use and to see exactly how I'm doing.

I have tried some free ones but they don't do what I want them to do. The main features I would like are:
*Easy to track progress - can see a week's worth of data at a glance.
*Able to input info for the previous day - the free apps seem to 'cut off' at midnight and you can't enter data retrospectively.
*Able to select which days the habit is due e.g. Gym on Mon, Wed and Fri.
*Add as many habits as you like - the free versions of WOL and THF restrict you to 3 habits only. (That's what I'm using at the moment as a trial)

I found another app 'Touch Goal' yesterday so am going to trial that one too, but does anyone have any recommendations, either those I've mentioned or one I haven't found yet?

Thanks for any help.

building_with_lego

I don't have a clue about either of the weightloss apps *but* why don't you write your lists on Notes? Then you'll see them!

(Says the woman who's only just put this year's term dates into her iPhone calender... )

There_Goes_Trouble

They're not weight loss apps. As I stated in my original post they're apps for forming habits to help me get more organised around the home and in life in general.

The whole point of them is not just a checklist, there are tonnes of ways of doing that. It's a way of tracking how well you're doing with a particular thing, so if it's something I want to do seven days a week then at the end of the week I can see very easily if I've achieved that or not. I know some people won't see the point of it, but I'm not naturally very motivated towards mundane tasks that I don't enjoy so this gives it a bit of purpose, an element of fun and helps to keep me motivated to keep on top of the boring stuff that has to be done around the house. I like to be able to track and see what I've achieved rather than try and remember each day.

belfastgirl23

Interesting idea! I do lists but this might be a better way. Will be keen to hear responses sorry I can't help though!

emg

I cant help either but am really interested in the idea of using an app to support new habits. I wonder if it is worth asking on the old style board. I know it seems unlikely that they would have many views on technology but the ones who are doing Flylady, Grocery Challenge and trying to change habits might have some thoughts. I have heard them talk about spreadsheets so some of them may also have looked at apps.

building_with_lego

There_Goes_Trouble wrote: »

They're not weight loss apps. As I stated in my original post they're apps for forming habits to help me get more organised around the home and in life in general.

The whole point of them is not just a checklist, there are tonnes of ways of doing that. It's a way of tracking how well you're doing with a particular thing, so if it's something I want to do seven days a week then at the end of the week I can see very easily if I've achieved that or not. I know some people won't see the point of it, but I'm not naturally very motivated towards mundane tasks that I don't enjoy so this gives it a bit of purpose, an element of fun and helps to keep me motivated to keep on top of the boring stuff that has to be done around the house. I like to be able to track and see what I've achieved rather than try and remember each day.

Sorry, my mistake. In my defence I was very tired after several busy nights at work so clearly misread the OP! Good luck though.

tra300

I have been using HomeRoutines for the last year or so & that is quite good. You can set daily & weekly routines, track your progress and prioritise tasks either on your phone or through an online account (a little like MyFitnessPal but not quite so swish - it works on little gold stars rather than flashy graphs).

It is good for managing house work type tasks, morning/evening routines, work to do lists & shopping lists etc. but lends itself well to tweeking for other habits too.

I can't remember how much it was (think it was only around the £2 mark) though so not sure how it compares.

Good luck and keep us posted on how you get am keen to know how it goes

pigpen

I think the only habit you are likely to form is playing on your phone more than you need to and instead using that time to do the things you know you need to do!

*fellow phone addict*

StuC75

Just use Siri to set reminders (repeating ones), particularly as that can set reminders for leaving work \ when getting home etc..

though this sounds so much like the Ex as an app...