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teeny tiny goals app

Vorbis
Community Member
For the last few months I've been trying out a new approach to my depression, by making all the tasks I should do day to day like tooth brushing and cooking dinner into a game.

It's pretty much like a to do list, only I've cut up the tasks and put them into a bowl so which one you do at a time is randomised. Some of the tasks are once offs so I leave them out once they're done, others I put back in at the start of each day.

It's fun and so far it's working for me. I'm adding social goals to it at the moment like 'start small talk with a stranger' and 'try to tell a joke'. It's a lot less pressure somehow knowing that it's just for a game rather than because I need to get out more.

I was thinking I might try to learn some coding and turn it into a free app, but then I realised that most of the things that I click with do absolutely nothing for anyone else. Thought I'd ask here if anyone thought it might help them with their depression too?
7 Replies 7

Quiettall
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Vorbis

What a great idea. I dont have full blown depression but some mornings I wake up unmotivated as a retiree who had a full on corporate life. So I have to motivate myself to get through the day and achieve things. This is a great way to do it for those who need it. Great work and lets see if someone picks it up as an app that can be used by others suffering from depression or other related mental illnesses.

Let us know how it goes, and I am sure there might be others who could contribute to its development

Guest_3072
Community Member

Hello Vorbis,

I think that what you do with the the bowl and little challenges is a great idea.

I would be interested in an app if you create one, and I'm sure that others would be too!

One thing that I have started is to have a "compliments jar" and to write meaningful compliments that I get from people. If I'm having a bad day or not feeling so good, I can open up the jar and read through all the random compliments and it makes me feel heaps better.

Gabby xx

Quietall - thanks for the encouragement! Are there any things that you find really hard to get motivated to do? I'm a shocker for putting off phonecalls.

I'm tempted to try to make rewards for it, like if you do a certain amount of jobs in each category you get medals. I kind of find it motivating enough as it is, but recognition is always nice.

Gabby - A compliments jar sounds like a great idea. I might add that as one of my things to do. I keep a 'good things' jar, where no matter how crappy the day was you just forget all about it and write down one good thing. Going through it at the end of the year really changes how I remember what went on.

Shazzam
Community Member

My Psych was trying to assist me in making some goals I could achieve. I have to use a daily/weekly planner as well because I have memory issues.

So now I fill in what appts and things I have at specific times. Then I keep a list on the side for things I'd like to do during the week. Best part, during the day as I do things I write them down. Gives a great sense of achievement, even if just getting out bed!

Gwen_777
Community Member

Hi Vorbis,

When I was a child we would do this with household chores.

It's a brilliant idea and it really helps to get things done and step outside your comfort zone eg with the social challenges

Sometimes when I'm down I find it difficult to do basic cares and chores....but I'm also get very anxious with non work related social interactions....this would be a great idea to use for all,

-social challenges

-exercising

-chores or daily cares

-fun or relaxing activities

or a little bit of everything 🙂

X

romantic_thi3f
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Vorbis,

This sounds like a great idea and I think that there's a great need for it.

One thing I'd like to recommend for either yourself or anyone reading is an app quite similar - it's called SuperBetter and does have very small goals, as well as battling the bad guys (inner critic).

Hope you can keep us posted on the app!

Annie23
Community Member

Hi Vorbis

The start small concept is a fantastic idea!. Well done ..

I to do something similar in which I I strive to do at least 3 positive changes everyday. Whether it be for myself or doing something for someone else. I then journal this every night. This has helped me focus on the good everyday instead of inviting the negative.

All the best with your app.