With the New Year come and gone, it’s back to the real world of work and everyday routines. If you are like 85% of the population, you made a New Year’s resolution over the holidays to improve your life. Whether your resolution related to fitness, organization, finances, or spirituality, you may already be struggling to keep a promise that sounded so good on December 31st at midnight amid cheers and champagne bubbles. But not to fear, there is an app for that.
As technology advances, so do our opportunities to be more organized and disciplined in our daily lives, and in this case, our resolutions. Apps compatible with iPhone and Android can help you keep track of exercise goals, weight loss, alcohol intake, smoking habits, and financial behavior. With these apps literally in the palm of our hands at all times, people are more likely to maintain resolutions and stay motivated.
While some apps offer encouragement and rewards, others like Gym-Pact literally make you pay if you fail to meet a weekly goal. “At the beginning of each week, users set a goal for the number of times they’ll visit the gym and name a price they’re willing to pay for not meeting that goal. If they miss their goal, they pay the price. If they make it, they receive a portion of the cash collected from all the people who missed their goals. Gym-Pact collects a 3% fee on this transaction,” states Mashable in review of the app; definitely tough love from the app’s Harvard grad creators.
If it is general happiness you’re after, you may be interested in Illuum. It asks you how your days was, analyzes your mood trends and emotions, and gives you a road map to improve whatever it is that may be ailing you. Illuum’s overview states, “You’re not as happy as you want to be but you don’t know why. Illuum is a new app that lets you stop wondering. It’ll help you figure out the whens and whys of your happiness. Analyze your moods, do fun stuff, watch your life improve.” And the best part about this app: it is on a donation basis, pay what you like and use as often as needed. Now that is something to be thankful for!
And with sharing capabilities on most apps, or at least screen shots, it has never been easier to openly pull a ‘humble brag’ on Facebook or Twitter to show all who look that yes, you are well on your way and have kept your word to improve your life. For some, the sense of competition is enough to stick to the path to an improved life. Thank you, social media.
Still unsure what your New Year’s resolution should be? Don’t need to lose weight or quit smoking? Try gaining inspiration from these 12 resolutions that just may be a perfect fit.
We want to know: What are your resolutions for 2012 and what app are you choosing to take into 2012 with you?
