The Importance of Prioritizing the "Big Rocks" in Life and Retaining Mobile App Users

The Importance of Prioritizing the "Big Rocks" in Life and Retaining Mobile App Users

In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks and responsibilities. We often find ourselves juggling multiple commitments, constantly running from one thing to another. But amidst all this chaos, it is crucial to remember the concept of the "big rocks" and prioritize them.

Dr. Stephen R. Covey, in his famous metaphor of "The Big Rocks," illustrates the importance of prioritizing the most significant aspects of our lives. He explains that if we don't put these big rocks in first, we will never be able to fit them in at all. So, what are these big rocks?

The big rocks can be anything that holds significant value in our lives. It could be a personal project we've been wanting to accomplish, spending quality time with loved ones, nurturing our faith, investing in education, managing our finances, or contributing to a cause that resonates with us. These big rocks are the things that truly matter and have long-lasting effects on our overall well-being and fulfillment.

However, it is easy to get caught up in the smaller, less important tasks that fill our schedules. We often find ourselves saying, "I'll do it later" or "I'll find time for it eventually." But the truth is, if we don't prioritize these big rocks and make time for them, they will always remain on the back burner, waiting for the perfect moment that may never come.

In a similar vein, the world of mobile applications has its own set of challenges when it comes to retaining users. Recent data shows that losing a significant percentage of mobile users is a normal occurrence. On average, an app loses 77% of its daily active users (DAUs) within the first three days after installation. Within 30 days, this number increases to 90%, and within 90 days, it reaches a staggering 95%.

To address this issue, the key to success lies in activating users within the critical first 3-7 day period. It is not about bombarding users with spam-like notifications but rather focusing on the onboarding flow and how the product is described. Findings suggest that the top apps are immediately useful to users, leading to repeated usage in the first week. The drop-off rate for these apps is similar to the average apps. Thus, the key lies in activation, not notification spam.

Bending the retention curve and improving user retention rates happen primarily in the first few days of usage. This is where the initial visit plays a crucial role. While it may be tempting to resort to sending numerous spammy email notifications titled "We Miss You," this approach is unlikely to have a significant impact on bending the curve.

So, what actionable advice can we derive from these insights?

• 1. Prioritize Your Big Rocks: Take a step back and identify the big rocks in your life. Make a conscious effort to prioritize them and ensure they take precedence over the smaller, less important tasks. By doing so, you'll create a sense of balance and fulfillment in your life.

• 2. Focus on Activation: If you're a mobile app developer or marketer, focus on activating users within the critical first few days. Pay attention to the onboarding flow, ensuring that users find immediate value in your app. Describe your product effectively, highlighting its usefulness and benefits. By getting users hooked early on, you'll significantly improve retention rates.

• 3. Avoid Spam-like Notifications: Instead of bombarding users with spam-like notifications, take a more strategic approach. Craft personalized and relevant messages that add value to the user's experience. By avoiding spam-like tactics, you'll build trust and engagement, ultimately improving user retention.

In conclusion, whether it's in our personal lives or the realm of mobile apps, prioritization and activation play a crucial role in achieving success. By identifying and prioritizing our big rocks, we can create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful. Similarly, by focusing on activating users within the critical first few days, mobile app developers and marketers can significantly improve retention rates. So, let's remember to put our big rocks first and activate our users effectively to achieve the desired outcomes in our lives.