Getting Started with Outturn

Welcome to Outturn! This guide will walk you through setting up your account and creating your first task with real accountability. In just 5 minutes, you'll have everything you need to start beating procrastination.

Step 1: Download & Sign Up

First, download Outturn for your device:

• iPhone/iPad: Download from App Store
• Android: Download from Google Play

Open the app and create your account. You can sign up with:

• Email address
• Apple ID (iPhone only)
• Google account

Your free trial starts automatically—no credit card required.

Step 2: Create Your First Task

Tap the + button to create your first task. Here are some tips for choosing what to add:

Good First Tasks

• Something you've been putting off for a while
• A task with a clear, specific outcome
• Something that can be completed in one session

Task Naming Tips

Be specific. Instead of "Work on project," try:

• ✅ "Write introduction paragraph for quarterly report"
• ✅ "Email John about meeting reschedule"
• ✅ "20 minutes of exercise"

Step 3: Set an Effective Deadline

The deadline is crucial—it's what creates the urgency that drives action. When setting yours:

Do:

• Choose a time when you'll realistically be available
• Give yourself enough time to complete the task, but not so much that you procrastinate
• Consider your energy levels (don't schedule creative work for 11 PM)

Don't:

• Set deadlines during meetings or commitments
• Give yourself days to do something that takes 30 minutes
• Set multiple tasks with the same deadline

Remember: Deadlines in Outturn are serious. Unlike regular to-do apps, there are real consequences for missing them—that's why they work.

Step 4: Choose Your Consequences

This is what makes Outturn different from every other productivity app. When you set a consequence, you're putting something real at stake.

Types of Consequences

Donation to Charity: If you miss your deadline, a donation is made to a charity of your choice. You're doing good even when you fail—but you'd rather do it on your terms.

Anti-Charity: A donation goes to an organization you don't support. This creates maximum motivation for some people.

Custom Stakes: Set your own consequences based on what motivates you.

How Much to Stake

• New to Outturn: Start with $5-10 per task
• Building confidence: $10-25
• High-stakes commitments: $50+

The right amount is enough to make you think twice about skipping, but not so much that it causes anxiety.

Step 5: Enable Smart Reminders

Outturn's AI-powered reminders are designed to nudge you at the right moments—not just annoy you with notifications.

How to Set Up Reminders

1. In your task settings, toggle on Reminders
2. Choose your preferred reminder frequency
3. Allow notifications when prompted

Reminder Best Practices

• Don't dismiss reminders—they're there to help you
• If a reminder catches you at a bad time, snooze it rather than dismissing
• Use reminders as a cue to at least look at your task, even if you can't complete it yet

Step 6: Start Building Streaks

Streaks are powerful motivation for recurring tasks. Here's how to set them up:

1. Create a task that you want to do regularly (e.g., "Exercise," "Read," "Meditate")
2. Toggle on Recurring in task settings
3. Choose your frequency (daily, weekdays, etc.)
4. Complete the task each day to build your streak

Why Streaks Work

Once you've built a streak, you're motivated to protect it. Missing one day feels like losing something valuable—a powerful psychological driver.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Start Small

Your first week, add just 1-2 tasks. Get comfortable with the system before ramping up.

2. Review Daily

Open Outturn every morning to see what's due. Make it part of your routine.

3. Use Proof of Completion

For important tasks, add a photo or note as proof. This builds confidence in your ability to follow through.

4. Celebrate Wins

When you complete a task on time, take a moment to acknowledge it. Building positive associations with follow-through reinforces the behavior.

5. Learn from Misses

If you miss a deadline, don't beat yourself up. Ask: Was the deadline realistic? Was the consequence motivating enough? Adjust and try again.

6. Join the Community

Connect with other Outturn users for tips, accountability, and motivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss a deadline?

Your chosen consequence takes effect. If you set a donation, the amount is charged and donated. This is what makes Outturn effective—consequences are real.

Can I cancel a task after creating it?

You can cancel tasks, but repeated cancellations may affect your ability to create new tasks. The system is designed to prevent gaming.

Is my payment information secure?

Yes. We use industry-standard encryption and never store your full payment details. See our Privacy Policy for details.

What if something unexpected comes up?

Life happens. You can request an extension in certain circumstances. However, the system works best when you honor your commitments—that's the whole point.

Need more help?

Check out our FAQ page or contact support through the app.