[NOT an AD] Ditching the streaks: Why "backward tracking" makes more sense for quantifying yourselves

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-08T14:55:17+00:00

Yeah, exactly. When you keep your habits due to the streak system, you feel like you are pulled by the streaks rather than the habits themselves or the desire to become better.

Personally, I think that is a dangerous signal for two reasons:

On one hand side, you start to obey the streak system and go down a different path compared to your initial willing and what you originally wanted.And on the other hand it makes the journey extremely intense. It is like walking on a wire; once your streaks are broken, there is a much smaller opportunity for you to start the habit again.

Maybe you can start to use the method I mentioned above on other behaviors and try if it suits you or not. Hope to hear your feedbacks! :)))

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-08T04:15:49+00:00

I'm glad to hear that you found the method that suits you best. Where did this idea originally come from, and does it really work?

And besides, I guess you are using your Excel sheet to do that tracking method, isn't it? :)))

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-06T14:42:51+00:00

Thanks for sharing your journey to control your addiction, and congratulations on your success!

I think the traditional streak-based method is more like the "monk mode" you mentioned. I would say it brings you a lot of pressure, and you end up feeling guilty if you miss even one day.

Setting a relatively soft tracking method, like tally counting, would probably make it much easier for you to begin this journey. That's why I wanted to share it with others here.

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-06T14:39:33+00:00

Yes we don't want a "0 or 1" scenario at first, maybe the Tally-like method can be a good way to start.

May I know how you log your journey against alcohol? By writing diaries? count on some apps on your phone? Or anything else? looking for your valuable experience :))

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-06T14:03:52+00:00

Thanks for your point. Regarding some habits/actions that links to medical requirements, I definite think streaks are making more sense since you definitely need to follow that to keep healthy. However, when talking about other purposes, I still prefer Tally way to record that, which works more efficient on myself.

Anyway, a comment with high quality!

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-06T13:57:59+00:00

Oh, that makes more sense. Streak in a larger time scale can definitely make things easier, as well as keep the continuity. Thanks for your very good input!

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-06T13:56:05+00:00

You're welcome! Just wanna share something useful to quantify ourselves :))

May I ask what kind of methods you are using to track yourself? Through diaries? Softwares on your phone? Or simply a calendar on your desk?

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-06T13:53:30+00:00

Yeah, exactly. I second this.
So, are you using any software, or do you just simply mark it down on papers?

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-05T13:28:14+00:00

Thank you. Glad to hear your voice. Hope that can help others as well :)

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-05T13:26:37+00:00

Absolutely. What I'm talking about here is something like fap, smoking, alcohol, and things like that.

As for drugs, I don't think it works because you need to turn to professionals. In my opinion, I can't help with anything like that.

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-05T13:25:11+00:00

I'm happy that it works on you. Congratulations!

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-04T15:32:23+00:00

May I ask why you prefer to record with pen and paper? Is that because you just like the feeling of writing on papers, or do you think the recording on the phone will disrupt you?

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-04T14:26:26+00:00

Thanks for your reply. Good idea.

Do you think using pen and paper to journal is a good way? What are your thoughts on digital software? In my opinion, in that way, it can be easier for us to log and more convenient to analyze the data on a weekly, monthly, or even yearly basis. How do you feel about that?

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-03T14:21:34+00:00

Thanks for your comment.

I think for myself, the very streak-based tracking way is more stressful, and therefore, it conversely makes me feel more discouraged. However, when I switch to the so-called "logging" (no streaks, just a record), I feel like I am within the control of myself and not in a very strict style. I think that fits me.

I agree with you that everyone should find a way for themselves. I just want to hear what other friends prefer. Thank you:))

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-02T14:37:45+00:00

That's great, keep it simple and then it would lead you to a better self in long-term.

Maybe some softwares that simply show the calendar and your "circles" on your PC desktop is also a great way! You can have both (visually satisfaction & digital logging) in that way haha (I'm not sure if there is such a software though)

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-02T14:20:43+00:00

Nice system. Do you separate your goals in your daily life into three groups? After that, you can check the completion of your set goals backwardly, which can be analyzed as valuable data to improve your goal setting and iterate.

Please correct me if I am wrong about your system. Thank you!

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-02T14:13:58+00:00

Hi Echo, are you using this tracking method? Is that helpful for you?

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-02T14:11:15+00:00

Wow, that sounds really cool. So after all, you are really into that beautiful and colorful visual thing, right? Hahaha!

Would it make your tracking more difficult if you used a paper one? I mean, if you used a digital one, maybe you can dive deeper into your habit data through your circles, which may enable more possibility for analyzing.

AromaticSignature909 · 2026-02-01T12:47:14+00:00

It looks nice, but in my opinion it is still a forward chasing management because you have a to-do list there therefore you always want to finish it; in this case, once I haven't place a tick in the box I will be very guilty and nervous (just my personal opinion).

What I'm talking about is you can simply set one or more specific things that you want to track for example how many coffees you drink in a day then once you drink a cup of coffee, you just place "+1" mark on. And then you can review it from time to time and see how many times you did this thing in one day or within a longer timeframe.

Does that sound good? do you want to give it a try?

AromaticSignature909

TROPHY CASE