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Journals are boring

I know, I know. I’m building a product that’s ultimately a journal, but the title of this post suggests I think that’s boring.

Hear me out.

I don’t want to compete with journals, the pencil and paper version, nor the other journal products out there. Instead, I want people to keep a journal without thinking they’re doing such a task.

That’s why I’ve shifted my mindset to check-ins. Like a friend checking in on you when you’re sick.

A daily check-in from a friend, making you smile, asking thoughtful questions, and encouraging you to share your thoughts. A check-in delivered at the right time to lift your spirits and facilitate mindfulness. Something with a personality.

And check-ins are focused. They’re targeted to a niche. They have a theme. After 30 days of check-ins on the same topic, you can learn about yourself.

I went through this exercise while trying to think of a name for the product. Anything with “journal” was too boring. It felt like work.

A check-in feels more light weight. Like you aren’t required to write pages of your thoughts.

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    That will last only a couple of months untill all work from home "bad" managers overuse that term :P

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      For marketing people know they want to journal or blog...
      They don't know they want a check in without an MD or a co worker / boss? IDK slang like that might have local associations, I think I dread check ins

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        Good point. I wonder if the word "check-in" depends on the audience. I can definitely see how I might have a negative association with it; however, I also like when certain people check-in on me. I suppose it depends on the sender?

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          I agree that the person offering is more important than the wording they use.

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