Happier

Its a very simple app with techniques that any fan of Gretchen Rubin’s will be familiar with and love. I keep getting “request time out” almost daily when accessing aims (despite software updates and logging out/logging in) so it’s very glitchy. Also, if you forget to log a day for don’t break the chain you cannot retroactively add it to tick that day’s box and continue your streak—thats frustrating for marking your progress! I think its really just too expensive as a result and for what it is. I am not sure how or why they decided to price it as high as it is. I doubt I will continue using it after this year. A shame, because I love Gretchen Rubin’s books and podcast and I know she invests a lot of time and energy into her work and what she puts out.

My first impression of the app was rather good. If an app isn’t appealing in style to me, I just cannot use it. I liked this one. Sign up was easy. I think the quiz was spot on for me. So far it hasn’t helped me make any good habits, but I think it will in time. I like the tips, I think those are actually helpful. I also appreciate the know yourself better section. I’m a little discouraged because without a subscription, you can only have 1 active aim. I also think the neglected senses quiz should probably be intergrated into the app in the same way that the tendencies are, but it’s not. That part isn’t a big deal anyway, I’m mainly focused on the subscription and the aims. I understand subscription models. I know it’s unrealistic to ask for everything in life to be free. However, I feel that the free version could have a little more to offer. I cannot get a real grasp and feel for what it’s like to truly use the app and benefit from it because I need at least a couple aims to try out. I hope this changes. I also do not want a free-trial option… free trials are scammy. I hope they don’t take that approach as it’s hard to cancel a free trial once it begins and still requires the commitment of a credit card unfortunately. So, to do better I really think the base application wirhout a subscription could use one or two more aims. It doesn’t have to be substantial, but it’s a little empty as it stands and makes it harder for me to consider the app long-term.

I discovered this Happier app after a podcast from Erika Kullberg and really loved the concept. I do like the newly added prompts to complete my aims as an Obliger, but wish I could add more without paying. I wish it also told me how many other people are on track with their sims like I am for motivational inspiration. The helpful tips and tools should be a separate built in feature; I don’t like the scrolling. Overall, I do like it, but know this could be MUCH better.