Step-by-step process to manually log progress for Workout, Learning, Meditation, Reading, Talk Time, Spiritual Practice, and Custom goals.
🎯 Why Manual Entry?
To make your life easier, BetterYou helps log time automatically through time on apps and location-based logging. But sometimes you read physical books, meditate, or workout at home without an app.
If that sounds like you, check out our Manual Entry options!
✨ What is Manual Entry?
Manual Entry allows you to input data manually instead of relying only on our automated logging methods. With the BetterYou app, you can now manually record your progress in multiple categories: Workout, Learning, Meditation, Reading, Talk Time, Spiritual Practice, and any Custom Goals. This allows for flexibility in how you record and review progress, tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Manual logging can be valuable for its simplicity, personal touch, and the mindfulness it brings to monitoring your progress.
🚀 Setting Up Your Goals for Manual Entry
All of our logging methods allow Manual Entry. To set up your goals properly, follow these steps:
Select the teal plus button in the upper right-hand corner to open the list of goals you can add
Select the goal you desire
Configure Logging Method:
For existing BetterYou Goals: Simply tap on "Logging Method" to access the modal for logging options
For custom goals: You will need to fill out the Goal Name and Action before accessing the Logging Method modal
📊 Available Logging Methods
1. Session-Based Logging (Yes/No - Days per week)
This method allows you to easily mark tasks as complete.
Setup Process:
Start by setting the number of days you plan to work on this goal
Tap "Save Changes"
How to Log Progress:
To log progress on a specific day, simply tap on that day
A teal check mark will appear indicating completion
To remove a progress entry, tap the teal check mark again
Perfect for: Daily habits, consistency tracking, simple yes/no goals
2. Session-Based Logging with Daily Frequency (Yes/No - Days per week + Times per day)
Similar to the basic method, but with enhanced daily tracking capabilities.
Setup Process:
Select the number of days you plan to work towards your goal
Check the box labeled "Multiple times per day" to set the frequency of your progress entries
How to Log Progress:
If you choose to work on your goal every day of the week (7 days) and log progress 8 times a day, you can add entries throughout the day
Once you reach your daily goal, a teal check mark will appear
To remove a progress entry, simply tap the minus button
Perfect for: Goals that require multiple daily sessions, social interactions, frequent check-ins
3. Time-Based Logging
This method logs the time you spend on a task throughout the week and supports both automatic and manual logging.
Features:
Auto-logging: Available for existing BetterYou goals through screen time screenshots (iOS) and app usage (Android)
Manual logging: Go to the details screen of your goal to add or subtract progress time
Flexible increments: Log time in customizable increments (5 minutes, 1 hour, etc.)
Perfect for: Meditation, reading, learning, workouts, any time-based activities
4. Location Auto-Logging
This method logs your visits throughout the week and supports both automatic and manual logging.
Setup Process:
First add a location to your goal
Set your visit target (how many times per week you want to visit)
How It Works:
Automatic: Whenever you spend more than 15 minutes at a registered location, the app will automatically record your visit
Manual: If you visit an unregistered location, you can manually add that location and log your visit in the app
Perfect for: Gym visits, library study sessions, meditation centers, any location-based goals
📱 How to Access Manual Logging
Quick Logging:
From Goals Tab: Tap on any goal to view its details
Quick Log Button: Look for the plus button on goal cards for quick logging
Calendar View: Tap on specific days in the weekly calendar to log progress
Detailed Logging:
Goal Details: Tap on any goal to access the full details screen
Progress Section: Scroll to find the progress tracking section
Log Progress: Use the "Add Progress" or "Log Progress" button
From Progress Cards:
Time Goals: Use the time picker to add/subtract minutes
Session Goals: Use the counter to increment/decrement sessions
Place Goals: Add new locations or log one-time visits
⚠️ Important Notes
Health Goals Limitations:
Sleep Goal and Steps Goal are not available for manual logging
We base the success of these health habits on the mobile device or wearable information synced to BetterYou
These goals rely on Apple Health, Google Health Connect, or other health platform integrations
Auto-Logging vs Manual Entry:
Auto-logging works in the background for supported goals and platforms
Manual entry gives you full control over your progress tracking
You can use both methods simultaneously for comprehensive tracking
Data Accuracy:
Manual entries are stored locally and synced to the cloud
All manual entries are timestamped and can be edited or deleted
Progress history is maintained for review and analysis
Best Practices for Manual Logging
Be Consistent: Log your progress at the same time each day for better habit formation
Use Quick Log: Take advantage of the quick logging feature for on-the-go progress updates
Review Regularly: Check your progress weekly to stay motivated and adjust goals as needed
Combine Methods: Use both auto-logging and manual entry for comprehensive tracking
Set Realistic Targets: Start with achievable daily/weekly targets and gradually increase them
Manual logging puts you in control of your wellness journey. Whether you're reading a physical book, meditating without an app, or working out at home, BetterYou gives you the flexibility to track your progress exactly how you want!