Streaks and Building Consistency

Streaks are one of Finn's most powerful features for building lasting productivity habits. Here's how to make the most of them.

What is a Streak?

A streak counts how many consecutive days you've completed at least one focus session. Complete a session today, and tomorrow, and the next day - your streak grows each day you show up.

Why Streaks Work

Streaks leverage a psychological principle called "loss aversion." Once you've built a streak, you're motivated to maintain it because breaking it would feel like losing something valuable.

This transforms productivity from "I should focus today" to "I need to keep my streak alive" - a subtle but powerful shift in motivation.

Building Your Streak

Start With One Session

You don't need to focus for hours to maintain your streak. One completed session per day is enough. On busy days, even a 15-minute session keeps your streak alive.

Focus at the Same Time

Habits form faster when tied to consistent cues. Try to do your first focus session at the same time each day:

• Morning people: Start your day with a focus session
• Night owls: Make it part of your evening routine
• Variable schedules: Tie it to another daily habit (after lunch, after coffee, etc.)

Plan for Obstacles

Life happens. Plan ahead for days when focusing might be difficult:

• Traveling? Do a quick session before you leave
• Busy day ahead? Wake up 30 minutes earlier
• Feeling sick? A short session still counts

What Breaks a Streak?

Your streak resets if a full day passes without completing a focus session. The day resets at midnight in your local timezone.

Note: Starting a session isn't enough - you need to complete it. Cancelled sessions don't count toward your streak.

Recovering From a Broken Streak

It happens to everyone. When your streak breaks:

1. Don't dwell on it - The past streak is gone, but your XP and level remain
2. Start immediately - Begin building your new streak today
3. Learn from it - What caused the break? Plan to prevent it next time

Many people find their second streak grows longer than their first because they've learned what it takes to maintain consistency.

Streak Milestones

Watch for achievements tied to streak milestones:

• 7 days - One week of consistency
• 30 days - A full month of daily focus
• 100 days - Triple digits!

Each milestone is worth celebrating. They represent real commitment to your productivity journey.

The Long Game

The goal isn't just a high streak number - it's building a sustainable focus habit. A streak is a tool that helps you get there. Use it wisely, and the habit will outlast any individual streak.