Lindsay’s productivity spotlight: Habitica
Last year, I dove headfirst into testing out different productivity methods. And honestly? I think I’ve tried them all, or at least all the most popular ones.
This year, I’m shifting gears. Instead of focusing on methods, I’ll explore the tools, apps, and software that can help boost productivity. The best part? I’ll tie them back to the methods we tested last year to show how they can work together.
About Habitica
Last January, I tested “Don’t Break the Chain,” a method all about building momentum through consistency. This month, I’m putting
Habitica to the test. It’s a habit tracker that turns your tasks into a role-playing game.
Can Habitica’s streaks and rewards help keep the chain unbroken? Let’s find out!
The concept: You create a character and earn experience points (XP) by completing tasks and habits. The more you accomplish, the stronger your character becomes. But if you skip your tasks? Your character loses health, and you might even “die.”
The goal: Keep your streaks alive, level up your avatar, and unlock fun rewards—all while tackling real-life goals.
My quest for productivity
After last year’s “Don’t Break the Chain” experiment, I knew I needed something more engaging, something that could turn habit tracking into a game. That’s where Habitica comes in.
To test it out, I set the same goal as last January: to write for 30 minutes daily.
I created a habit in Habitica, assigned it XP, and even added a “reward” in the app: If I completed my writing streak for a week, I’d let myself splurge on my favorite Starbucks drink, an iced caramel macchiato. (Yes, iced—even in winter. I live in Arizona; “cold” isn’t really a thing here.)
Here’s what I discovered:
- The gamification works. Completing tasks felt like leveling up in life—literally. Each “ding!” of earned XP made me want to keep going.
- Accountability is baked in. You can join a party, complete group challenges, and cheer each other on. Or silently compete to see who can rack up more rewards. (Friendly rivalry? Yes, please.)
- It’s fun. Turning my to-do list into a game added a layer of excitement I didn’t know I needed.
The result? Not only did I hit my writing goal, but I found myself looking for other habits to track—hydration, stretching, and even flossing (hey, don’t judge).
Would I recommend Habitica? Absolutely! Especially if you love gaming or need extra motivation to stick with your habits. It’s perfect for tasks with clear daily goals and adds just the right amount of fun to keep you coming back for more.
If you’re tackling a New Year’s resolution or just looking for a way to build better habits,
Habitica might be the app to get you there.
