One-Click Habit Tracker Reset: Streamline Your Productivity with Google Sheets & App Script

Updated at: 05/06/2025

Tired of manually resetting your habit tracker every week or month? This article shows you how to automate the process completely using Google Sheets and Apps Script. Learn to create a single-click reset button that instantly clears your daily tracking data, preparing your spreadsheet for another cycle of productive habit building. Say goodbye to tedious manual resets and hello to streamlined productivity!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create the Reset Button

    • Create a reset button in Canva. Choose from pre-designed options or create your own. Download with a transparent background for best results.
    Create a reset button in Canva. Choose from pre-designed options or create your own. Download with a transparent background for best results.
    Create the Reset Button

  2. Add Button to Google Sheet

    • Upload the button image to your Google Sheet habit tracker.
    Upload the button image to your Google Sheet habit tracker.
    Add Button to Google Sheet

  3. Generate App Script with ChatGPT

    • Use ChatGPT to generate the App Script code. Provide ChatGPT with the range of cells your habit tracker uses (e.g., C7:AG26).
    Use ChatGPT to generate the App Script code. Provide ChatGPT with the range of cells your habit tracker uses (e.g., C7:AG26).
    Generate App Script with ChatGPT

  4. Paste and Save App Script

    • Open the script editor in your Google Sheet (Extensions > App Script). Paste the generated code into the script editor.
    • Save the script. Run the script to authorize it with your Google account. You'll need to grant permissions.
    Save the script. Run the script to authorize it with your Google account. You'll need to grant permissions. Save the script. Run the script to authorize it with your Google account. You'll need to grant permissions.
    Paste and Save App Script

  5. Assign Script to Button

    • Assign the script to your button in the Google Sheet. (Select the button, click the three dots, and choose 'Assign script').
    Assign the script to your button in the Google Sheet. (Select the button, click the three dots, and choose 'Assign script').
    Assign Script to Button

  6. Test the Reset Button

    • Test the button to ensure it clears the checked boxes in your habit tracker.
    Test the button to ensure it clears the checked boxes in your habit tracker.
    Test the Reset Button
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Tips

  • A transparent background for the button image provides more flexibility in placement within your Google Sheet.
  • If the script doesn't work immediately, double-check the code, re-paste it, save, and run it again. This might be needed to resolve authorization issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Script Authorization

Reason: The Google Apps Script might not be properly authorized to access your Google Sheet, resulting in errors or no data updates.
Solution: Ensure the script has the necessary permissions to read and write to your specified Google Sheet.

2. Typographical Errors in Script or Sheet References

Reason: Small mistakes in the script's code (e.g., wrong sheet name, incorrect cell references) can prevent the script from functioning correctly.
Solution: Double-check all script code and sheet names for any typos or inconsistencies, and carefully review cell references.

FAQs

What if I don't know anything about Google Sheets or Apps Script?
Don't worry! The guide will walk you through each step with clear instructions and screenshots. No prior coding experience is necessary. The script itself is quite simple and will be fully explained.
Can I customize the reset to clear only specific columns or data?
Absolutely! The Apps Script provided can be easily modified to target specific columns or ranges within your spreadsheet, giving you complete control over what gets reset.
What happens to my historical data after a reset?
The reset only clears the current tracking period's data. Your historical data, either on a separate sheet or previous tracking periods, remains untouched and safe. Consider creating a separate sheet to archive data before each reset.