Show HN: Discipline.io – Make binding commitments to your better self

  • Posted 10 months ago by stri8ted
  • 87 points
https://discipline.io/
Hi HN,

It's super hard to quit addicting apps. Existing solutions are non-binding, and therefore, require constant self-discipline and vigilance to be effective. Which is ironic, considering the problem we are trying to solve, is a lack of self-discipline.

There exists a physical solution to this problem, in the form of a time-locked safe[1]. It’s effective for reducing app usage, but it's cumbersome and inconvenient.

Fundamentally, what these lock-boxes do is impose a real-world cost on breaking your commitment. It’s not impossible to break your commitment, but it would require destroying the lock-box, and that incurs a cost.

I created a digital version of this, as an app (Android-only). Commitment’s are backed with cash deposits, and the phone API’s are used to detect violations and enforce compliance. No self-reporting required. And it even works if the monitoring app is uninstalled, or its background service disabled.

An example commitment: Stop using Tinder, for the next week, or forfeit $20 to the Red Cross charity.

The solution also generalizes to other types of commitments:

  - Commit to using an app more (e.g. meditation)
  - Commit to visiting a location (e.g. gym)
  - Commit to making a phone call (e.g. mom)
It’s currently only available for Android, but I'm considering doing an IOS version as well. Hope you like it, and please share any feedback you might have in the comments!

[1]: https://www.thekitchensafe.com

16 comments

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