Tracking Gaps Are Data Too

Originally published at steadyline.app I've tracked my mood daily for months. My adherence rate? About 52%. That means I logged roughly half the days and missed the other half. By most app standards, that's a failure. My streak is terrible. If there was a leaderboard, I'd be near the bottom. But here's what I've realized: the days I didn't log are some of the most informative data I have. Why people stop logging There's a pattern to when I miss entries, and I don't think it's unique to me. When I'm stable and doing well, I log consistently. It's easy. I feel on top of things. The act of logging is mildly satisfying — a small ritual that confirms things are okay. When I'm struggling — sleep disrupted, mood dropping, energy gone — logging is the first thing I skip. Not consciously. I don't think "I'm too depressed to track my mood." I just... don't do it. The app notification comes and I swipe it away. Or I don't even notice it. The routine breaks down because routine is the first casual