I used to believe that there was an app for everything under the sun. These included sleep, fitness, journaling, focus, budgeting, Bible study, reminders, productivity, meditation, meal planning, habit tracking and even “breathing properly.” And you know what? I downloaded almost all of them. Trust me.
For a very long time, my phone looked like a suitcase filled with equipment and tools needed for a properly functioning life. Except for the fact that...my life wasn't functioning the way I wanted it to.
Where I realized something was actually not right was, I think, somewhere between the fifth app I downloaded for productivity and my third attempt at downloading an app for habit tracking. I realized that I wasn't actually using these apps, at least, the way I should.
You know, there is this thrill that comes with downloading a new app. It's really oddly satisfying.
Like, it gives you this little excitement which in itself feels like you've seen the way to develop a better version of yourself.
For me, it was as simple as seeing someone on TikTok or YouTube say “This app changed my life!” and boom! I’m in the App Store in under two seconds.
Downloading the app felt like “doing” something. Like I was really making progress. And for the first 24 hours, it usually seemed like I was “making progress”
I would open the app with so much excitement, customize the dashboard, set up notifications, or sometimes don't(since I don't like disturbance), pick a cute theme, and even read the tips provided, if possible.
Come and see this same me by day three - I would literally forget such an app exists on my phone.
Maybe I should even list the apps that were pure hype to me.
The first on the list would be that aesthetic Promodoro timer. I think I used it just once but the pressure was a bit much and so I just deleted it.
The second would be one budgeting and investment app called Bamboo that needed a 100 processes before I could input ₦500. I just gave up along the way. The issues were just too much abeg.
Then there was this wellness journal app that I can't even remember the name. They sent me daily affirmations at 6. am. I barely even read them because by then, I was still turning on my bed.
Let's not even talk about the photo editing app that I thought I would need to elevate my pictures before I post them on social media. I never used it after the first day of testing.
I strongly believe that the main reason we keep failing at this is purely because a lot of us confuse apps with action. At least this was my conclusion after giving this a lot of thought.
The moment I installed these apps, it felt like I had taken a very meaningful step and while it is not entirely false, the truth remains that: no app can do the work for you.
It seems easier to “download discipline” than to practice it.
I also discovered that many others like me tend to believe in the idea that the right app will finally make us consistent, creative, punctual, or even peaceful. But if the habit isn’t there, the app won’t build it for you.
And so, after a long cycle of downloading, deleting, and re-downloading, I have come to appreciate real simplicity. This led me to live by these four apps and they are:
Firstly, Iphone Reminder App. This is for my planning. It's one app I can't do without so I stuck with it.
Secondly, Notion. Oh, this app is such a lifesaver. Helps me to journal, plan my blogs, jot down random chaotic thoughts and brain dumps.
Thirdly would be, WhatsApp and Telegram. These are my core apps for keeping in touch with family and friends.
Lastly is the YouVersion Bible App. This app has kept me consistent in my Bible studying. Can't actually do without it.
And for every other thing, I have either deleted it or just stopped pretending it would change my life. And this is because I have come to understand that the most powerful app I can use for self-development is called self-awareness. This means that I should know what works for me and what doesn't; even when my favorite influencer recommends it.
And so, if you're someone who is like me, who finds themselves in the App store at 1am, looking for the perfect tool to fix something in your life, just pause and ask yourself: “Am I solving a problem or avoiding one?”
All images are mine
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