I can't seem to find a good way to track my habits and stay grounded

I don't know what the solution is

I've tried Obsidian, Habitica, Loop Habits, Notion, all sorts of plugins, and more. Yet, at the moment, I still have no solid system in place.

Honestly, it is a waste of time to pursue these apps. We crave a new app because it makes us feel like we are making positive change. But the truth is, we haven't actually done anything yet.

It is the habit or the action itself that matters. Nothing else.

So until I actually do the habit, the tracker does not matter. It has no bearing on my life, my future, or the person I want to become.

So, what is the solution?

Staying grounded and mindful is the answer. If we are centered and aware of what we are doing, we are more likely to make the correct decision.

But the issue is, how do we ensure that we stay grounded?

I often find myself trapped in an unending cycle of notifications, stimulation, tasks and stress. Stuck in a negative feedback loop for days or weeks and I feel like I am going to die.

So what the hell do I do to prevent this?

Honestly, just being away from our phones and trying to be mindful is the simple answer

Even if you mess up and spend a good hour or two googling random shit, at least on your laptop you have the time and space to think slowly and calm down.

There are no social media notifications to bombard you. This has been a major problem of mine recently as I have stepped into the role of a content creator.

While creating content is good, it is still important that I keep my sanity, otherwise none of this will sustain in the long term.

Honestly, I already have the proper systems in place to keep me on track, I am just not abiding to them.

1. greyscale mode - decreases stimulation and urge to use phone
2. morning focus mode - cannot use any social media apps until 12pm (noon), this allows for my brain to slowly wake up and be used to not constantly be using my phone, it also gives me a few hours of deep work
3. evening focus mode - cannot use any social media apps after 8pm, this allows my brain to calm down, so that I may get a restful night of sleep and start again strong the next time
4. home focus mode - location based, not allowed to use social media apps while in the home (I had this when I lived in Taipei, worked quite well, felt detached from the outside world and spent much of my time reading or working on projects)

Then there is also the goal of meditating first thing in the morning.

If I just followed these steps - my issue would be solved.

How come we know an answer but we don't do what we know is best?

This is a very interesting and fundamental problem that seems like every human faces. Why is it we often know the person we want to be or the life we want to live, yet we do not do it? We maintain our shitty habits and lifestyle and mindset and keep living the hellhole life. What the actual fuck.

I often like to think of this one as a test from God. You know, we have all this power to change and to shape our destiny, our options and potential are limitless, yet we often flounder it. It's like we can do anything but we don't. And we are the only limiting factor.

All fault lies with us.

I think it was designed purposely to be incredibly difficult in order to test the strength of a person's soul. What other explanation could there be?

If I was a God, I would do the same thing.

Make life so full of possibility and endless potential - then make the limiting factor the human willpower and grit. This way I can see which souls are strong and which are weak.

This way if there was a heaven or a Ragnarök - I know who to pick. It's like a game or play per say. Otherwise, what would be the point of life? Where would the meaning be?

I believe the meaning is found in this very simple struggle. It's so simple, it's hard, but it's this simplistic difficulty that gives our lives meaning and importance.

When reframed this way, life is encouraging and attractive. Once you know the game, you can play. And then it just becomes a simple test of your grit, courage, enthusiasm, and persistence.

If you can persevere and do what others cannot, then all will be awarded to you.

Wishing you all the best of luck,

Warm Regards,

Jacob Pugmire