Why I created Foothold Now
I created Foothold Now from my own experience of feeling stuck in repetitive routines that could take up a significant amount of time and make every day feel longer. Before going to bed, I could spend around 30 minutes checking lights, adjusting the positioning of objects, and making sure doors were closed and faucets were off in sets of ten. At times, I felt unable to leave a room or space until everything felt exactly right.
These patterns also affected the way I communicated. I sometimes avoided saying certain words because they did not feel right, which could make my speech less clear or more ambiguous than I intended. I knew I wanted to make changes, but addressing everything at once often felt overwhelming.
Foothold Now grew from the idea that meaningful progress can begin with one manageable step. By breaking difficult goals into structured practice ladders, I was able to approach challenges gradually, track my progress, and recognize improvements that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Over time, this approach helped me spend less time checking, communicate more freely, and become more comfortable moving forward without everything needing to feel perfect.
I feel it is appropriate to say Claude assisted with aspects of development, but Foothold Now was conceived, directed, reviewed, and developed by me. I feel compelled to share this because I do not want to propagate AI slop, or understate the problems AI can have for OCD and reassurance. I am just not technical with code, and I wanted a way to digitize ERP ladders.
While AI helped build this website, there is no AI interaction for its users within it. There is nothing here to ask and nothing that answers back. Individuals build their own ladders. (I do understand that some people use pre-made ladders from books, and it is entirely possible to enter those kinds of ladders on the website too).
I created Foothold Now so that other people—including those experiencing OCD, anxiety, perfectionism, repetitive habits, or other situations that make everyday tasks feel difficult—can have a private and supportive place to take manageable steps toward the lives they want to lead.
—Graham Hong-Sidman
Founder and Creator, Foothold Now
Date founded online: July 14th, 2026
Questions or other thoughts: . This isn’t a crisis service—if you need urgent support, please contact a local crisis line or emergency service.
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