Hi there! I'm a Statistics PhD student with no obligations this summer. However, I have to take a qualifying exam in the distant future, and I would like to study for it as much as possible. I also want to follow a daily exercise routine.
The problem is that it's hard to stay motivated when your rewards are all in the distant future. That's why I made Credit Tracker. Whenever I study or exercise, I report it to Credit Tracker to earn credits. One hour of studying is worth one credit, and failing to exercise causes a five-credit penalty. With my credits, I can purchase fun rewards that I have established for myself.
The app is simple and self-explanatory. Here is a screenshot of an example interface.
You can also designate another person to be your "rewarder." When I purchase a reward, an email is sent to my wife letting her know, and vice versa (she uses Credit Tracker too). We can also pool our credits. For example, I donated five credits to her, and she bought a "Dessert" for ten credits. Then we made a batch of cookies to share.
My wife and I have found Credit Tracker fun and motivating, so I decided to make it public. Give it a try. If you have any questions or problems, feel free to email me: bravenewdude at gmail dot com.
Also, the code for this little project is available here.
Best Regards,
WDB
30 June 2012