I don’t like to admit when I try something out solely for the purpose of being able to write about it. It feels very… commercialized? But alas sometimes that’s what you have to do in order to get articles out. Especially when you’re in the middle of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and losing all your time to that instead.
That was the reason I downloaded this cute little “helping” app I first saw advertised on Instagram. I didn’t expect to still be using it over a month later.
For those of you who didn’t put the thoughts together, like myself, a finch is a bird. Much like the one that you’re taking care of in this self care app. In order to help the little one grow and develop you need to complete tasks. Getting a certain number of tasks done will build energy for your little guy to go on an adventure to explore and learn more about the world. Much like how we develop in real life.
The main thing about this is that these tasks are actually meant to help you better yourself. There are a bunch of pre-set tasks that you start with. Brushing your teeth, getting out of bed, stretching. Simple things that really help to build up the routine of logging in through the day and completing your finch’s energy bar. I know for me that was a big part of why I’m still using it. Getting to feel that satisfaction of “hitting your goal” each day really builds that commitment to continue. Even as the goals get relatively tougher to meet.
The app will ask you how you’re feeling or how motivated you are each time you log in which really makes you self reflect as well. Sounds like a simple thing but if you take an extra second to really contemplate your answer it can change how you look into the rest of your day. I’ve actually had a few “feeling bad” responses make me contemplate why I’m letting stupid things get me down and ruin the rest of my day. Sometimes helped, sometimes didn’t.
It also likes to check in with you at the beginning of each week to go over the previous one. How you feel about the past seven days. What did you do well, what would you like to improve? Then it will prompt some possible additions to add to your task list to help in the areas that you feel are lacking. One week I noted that I felt scattered and it prompted me to do a daily cleanse of unnecessary browser tabs. I don’t know if it actually helps but not having a million tabs open constantly doesn’t hurt either.
Another thing that you can do is add your own tasks. One that I added was to work out each day. I’ve set that goal for myself so many times in the past and failed to maintain it but I’m currently at day 29 in a row (rest days included). I think the instant satisfaction of being able to cross that off the list and have it help my little finch go on an adventure is countering the fact that you don’t get immediate progress with working out.
Finally As your finch grows the amount of tasks that you need to complete to get its energy bar full up increases. This means that you’ll have to complete extra tasks to get there each day. It’s a brilliant way to gradually increase the productivity of the person using it without feeling overwhelmed. I even debated adding “walk the dogs” to my tasks today in order to have something else that I could cross off. Something I should be doing more often anyhow.
I’m interested to see how this continues to develop over time. So far no paywalls to speak of. Nothing that needs to be purchased but lots of accessories that you can buy if you’re interested. Nothing to stop you from giving it a try and improving your life!
You can learn more about Finch through their website. Or download the app on the app store and the play store.
Rating
My opinion on Finch. Time extremely well wasted. If you’re interested in task tracking systems like I described above we produce a calendar that does just that! Assign tasks and build your way to rewards that you have previously decided upon. Check out Maki’s full post and explanation of the calendar here.
