I built friend.backend.how as a small experiment in accountability.
Instead of making New Year’s resolutions for yourself, the idea is to let your friends do it for you. Friends often see our blind spots, neglected responsibilities, and hidden potential more clearly than we do — and they have a kind of permission to challenge us in ways we don’t challenge ourselves.
How it works:
• You form a small group with close friends
• Friends suggest challenges for each other (growth, comfort zone, neglected things, hidden potential, shared joy)
• The group votes and finalizes a set of challenges for each person
• Progress is tracked socially throughout the year — the real stake is not letting your friends down
This isn’t productivity software or habit tracking. It’s an attempt to use friendship itself as the accountability mechanism, instead of willpower.
Curious to hear whether this feels motivating, uncomfortable, or somewhere in between — and what failure modes you see.
pg_law•1mo ago
Instead of making New Year’s resolutions for yourself, the idea is to let your friends do it for you. Friends often see our blind spots, neglected responsibilities, and hidden potential more clearly than we do — and they have a kind of permission to challenge us in ways we don’t challenge ourselves.
How it works: • You form a small group with close friends • Friends suggest challenges for each other (growth, comfort zone, neglected things, hidden potential, shared joy) • The group votes and finalizes a set of challenges for each person • Progress is tracked socially throughout the year — the real stake is not letting your friends down
This isn’t productivity software or habit tracking. It’s an attempt to use friendship itself as the accountability mechanism, instead of willpower.
Curious to hear whether this feels motivating, uncomfortable, or somewhere in between — and what failure modes you see.