The Importance of User Retention and Purposeful Living

The Importance of User Retention and Purposeful Living

In today's digital age, where mobile apps dominate our daily lives, it's no surprise that user retention has become a critical factor in the success of an app. New data from Quettra reveals some shocking statistics - the average app loses 77% of its daily active users (DAUs) within the first 3 days after installation. Within 30 days, that number jumps to 90%, and within 90 days, a staggering 95% of DAUs are lost.

So, what separates the best apps from the average ones? The key lies in activating users within the crucial first 3-7 day period, rather than relying on spam-like notifications. It's not about bombarding users with irrelevant messages, but rather creating a seamless onboarding flow and effectively describing the product. The top apps are immediately useful to users, leading to repeated usage in the first week. The drop-off rate is similar to that of average apps, but the difference lies in the activation of users during those initial few days.

Sending a flood of spammy email notifications with desperate subject lines like "We Miss You" is unlikely to significantly improve user retention. The real challenge lies in targeting the first visit and ensuring that users find value and purpose in the app from the very beginning.

Interestingly, this concept of purpose and meaning extends beyond the realm of mobile apps and into our personal lives. In an interview with Tim Klein, the author of "AI-powered Psychoanalysis: Journaling in Mem," he emphasizes the importance of attaching purpose to our daily actions. Research shows that when we have a sense of purpose, we are more self-directed, have better relationships, and are more engaged. Purpose acts as a buffer against stress and can turn adversity into a motivating force.

However, finding personal meaning and purpose is not always easy. Society often fails to teach us how to decide what to do with our lives. We are given guidelines - get good grades, secure a stable job - but we are rarely taught how to align our actions with our core values and make meaningful contributions to the world.

Klein suggests that purpose is a decision-making tool, a compass that guides us in making important life choices. It involves understanding our strengths and skills and using them to make a positive impact that aligns with our values. It requires us to reflect on how we want to be remembered, how we want to grow as individuals, and what problems we want to solve.

By creating a digital space for his students to capture and collect their learnings and experiences, Klein hopes to help them find coherence in their lives. The easier it is to connect one thing they're doing to the next, the more purposeful their work will feel. A sense of coherence and meaning is crucial for a fulfilling life.

In the world of enhanced introspection that Klein envisions, we have the opportunity to craft our narratives and define our identities. As Marguerite Duras once said, "You're always more unreal to yourself than other people are." This means that our sense of self is often shaped by external observation. However, with introspection and purposeful living, we can create a more authentic and coherent sense of self.

So, how can we apply these insights to our own lives?

• 1. Focus on activation: Just as the best apps prioritize user activation within the first few days, we should strive to find purpose and meaning in our actions from the beginning. Reflect on what makes today feel purposeful and take steps towards aligning your actions with your core values.

• 2. Create a narrative: Craft a narrative that explains why you're doing what you're doing. By telling the story of your purpose and the impact you want to make, you create a sense of coherence and meaning in your life. This narrative will guide your decisions and keep you on track.

• 3. Embrace introspection: Take the time to reflect on your strengths, skills, and the contributions you want to make. Journaling or creating a digital space, as Klein suggests, can help you connect the dots and find coherence across different aspects of your life.

In conclusion, user retention in mobile apps and purposeful living share a common thread - the importance of activation and finding meaning from the beginning. By focusing on activation in the first few days, both app developers and individuals can improve retention rates and create a more fulfilling life. So, let's strive to activate our purpose and make a positive impact in the world.