Get more out of HabitRPG by learning from other players. Whether you're just starting out your quest or are a long-time adventurer, checking out the way other people use HabitRPG can help you learn to use it better yourself.
I've told you how this web app makes improving yourself actually addictive. The combination game and productivity suite combines social pressure, task lists and pixel art into a surprisingly effective package. You're motivated to finish your tasks by the threat of losing health and the prospect of gaining treasure and experience, and the pressure increases if you've got a party of friends playing with you.
I've spent the past few years trying to win at life with gamification, and I've got to tell you: it's worked.
But just because you're using a tool doesn't mean you can't learn how to use it better. Here are a few tips from other HabitRPG users on how to get more out of the service.
Use The Habit Column To Track Workouts
If there's one part of HabitRPG I've never quite worked out how to use properly, it's the "Habit" column. Ironic, I know: this is the feature HabitRPG is named after, but I've never thought of anything worthwhile to do with this space.
Until, that is, I saw this:
A single "Workout" box in your Dailies column doesn't motivate you to do exercise more today than you did yesterday. Using the Habit column, which you can check as many times per day as you like, does a better job at this. To quote Thomas Frank:
Instead of using a daily to simply track when I go to the gym, I’m now using the Habits column to track individual exercises. By doing this, I’m training my brain to associate an award with each set that I do. As a result, the temptation to quit a workout earlier is much lower.
It's worth noting this will work for way more than just workouts. If there's anything you want to encourage yourself to do as many times as possible during the course of the day, give the habits column another look. Musicians could practice scales, for example; writers could force themselves to do a solid hour without distractions. Changing your habits can make a huge difference in your day, so don't overlook this column.
Use The Habit Column For Reminders
Still not sure what to fill that Habit column with? You could just use it for reminders, as HabitRPG user Jay Frost explains [Broken URL Removed] over on the HabitRPG wiki:
I have recently started rereading Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and now am seriously trying to apply those habits into my life...I keep it on my habits column as a reminder for my internalized habits. Simply take off the plus and minus and add in the notes.
As you can see above, the result is a constant reminder of ways in which you're trying to be better – you'll see it every time you log into HabitRPG. This is perfect for anything you want to be reminded of regularly, but isn't necessarily actionable.
Gamify Your Lists
Enough about workflow. HabitRPG is, after all, supposed to make improving yourself fun. With that in mind, here's a great idea: gamifying your to-do lists.
As you can see in this screenshot, the idea is simple: name your tasks something creative, instead of something mundane, to make finishing them more fun. It requires some creativity on your part, which is why I think it's a good idea: thinking of a creative way to describe your task can give you a boost before you get to complete it. Give it a shot!
There's more on the HabitRPG wiki, if you're interested.
Is Levelling Too Easy? Turn on New Game+!
It's a common complaint: HabitRPG is too easy. It's probably just because you're so awesome. Anyway, if this is a problem for you, and you wish you were dying more often, there are ways you can make things harder for yourself. To HabitRPG user AlphaRevi:
The argument is that these players level too quickly and therefore any drop in HP is quickly rejuvinated by the lvling up. There's no real risk or danger of dying, so..what's the point? My suggestion (something I'm doing myself) is to start over, and to not buy the weapons.
Other users added more challenges on the Self imposed challenges over on the wiki. Highlights include:
- Not using equipment, or spells
- Not using potions, relying entirely on level-ups for healing
- Converting long-neglected tasks into dailies, so that they hurt you more ever yday
- Manually reducing your health after levelling up
There are a lot more tips here, so check it out if you need more of a challenge to motivate yourself.
Use Extensions And Apps
You might know this already, but there's a collection of extensions and apps for HabitRPG over on the wiki. Some of these are easier to get set up than others, but exploring this could show you all sorts of potential integrations you didn't know about.
For example: I found a Chrome extension for quickly checking off items, without the need to open the entire site. Other great tips you can find include integration of Pomodoro.app on your Mac, and syncing with services like Remember The Milk and Todoist. Be warned: some of these things are harder to set up than others.
What HabitRPG Tips Do You Have?
These are just a few tips, I'm sure you guys know of more. Speaking of: can you share your tips in the comments below? I'm looking forward to learning more from you guys.
Oh, and if HabitRPG isn't your thing there are other systems out there. Saikat, for example, reviewed a sadistic robot with a sense of humour that can help iPhone users become less lazy. Look into it, and let us know about any other alternatives in the comments below.
Image Credits: Resolution Notes Via Shutterstock