I post about Genius Hour for years, then create a new blog about my own (not-directly-school-related) Genius Hour-type learning. I have other blogs dedicated to other whims. When it comes to writing on actual paper, I've also got a gratitude journal, an old diary that I used to write in when I was angry, and a notebook where I write notes to my "inner self" (and then I answer myself - free therapy).
On this original blog, it's hit or miss for me as to when I decide to post something. It's been almost six months since I took the time to write on this one.
Today, I realize it's time to come back here to document my learning about a streak I've been on for 1983 days. A big milestone is approaching. I used my "Dear Inner Self" notebook to write about my decision to stop the streak soon.
After writing the above, I've seen hints this week that tell me I'm making the right decision. I was cleaning out my home email account, and I noticed a "Sunday Seven" I'd written for Dave Burgess, and the first thing it says...
First, I think it's funny the photo doesn't work. It IS from July 14, 2019. Maybe my email knows I don't look like that anymore. ;)
Another hint that something is amiss... the Duolingo app icon looks like this for me this week:
Why does it have an extra eye?? Is it seeing something I don't see? (Update: Found this article on 6/2/25)
Yet another hint... Because I couldn't be on it more than a few minutes a day, my score this week means I dropped out of the "diamond league" and all I needed to get back in was 200 gems? As of right now, I've got 30,581 gems. I remember working my butt off with extra points and falling right into each of their traps to get the extra points to stay in the top three of the diamond league for a few weeks one summer. It was just too much. I wasn't learning at that point - I was just playing the system for the points.
I'm going to make this power play ... perhaps at Day 2000 instead of Day 2025 ... and I'm going to feel relief. It might be difficult to make it through the next day without doing a lesson, and then I believe I'll have to get over all those "streak freezes" I've stockpiled. In the meantime, I'll switch over to Babbel, which does have a streak count... but no ads and no other points to play around with.
I've learned a lot. (Yes, I've taken copious notes.) I've also learned how Duo played ME. Going back to my original goal of LEARNING to be able to communicate better with students at my school, I need to get off the streak bandwagon. On the days I dedicate time to learn, I'll be opening up a new lesson instead of one I've done in the past. If I lose hearts, too bad, so sad, keep going. When I switch to Polish on the weekends again, it won't kill me to not make it through a lesson and miss my streak.
I'm grateful Babbel had an "over 50% off" their lifetime subscription one day a year ago, and I'll be happy to switch each day I feel the Duolingo app is playing me. Sure, I like games. I'm just tired of cheating at this one. It's not good for my mental health.
June 19, 2025 - Update: I stopped at day 2000 a week ago today (June 12). My freeze streaks are gone. I haven't opened it. Instead, I've been using Babbel for a week, and I love it! If I make a mistake, oh well! I can keep learning, no matter how many mistakes I make. I can "talk" within an AI-assisted conversation, I can review as much as I want, and I can listen to dialogues. I don't feel pressured to complete a "quest" or a monthly challenge, or to stay in the pearl, obsidian, or diamond leagues. Sure, I have the paid subscription - but it's for LIFE. I've made the right decision for me. It feels good to not have the pressures I was putting on myself.
