New Year’s resolutions are one of the most popular ways to set goals, but according to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, less than 10 percent of people actually stick to their promises. In the weeks following January 1st, people are bombarded with TV ads and friends and families announcing their resolutions, further increasing the pressure to set and achieve personal goals. Common resolutions include losing weight or getting organized, but many people start the year with great intentions that seem to fizzle out in just a few weeks.
According to a study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse, more than two-thirds of people stuck to their New Year’s resolutions for one week, but less than 20 percent of participants kept their pledges for more than two years. The study also revealed that social support was a predictor of success in keeping resolutions over the long term. Willpower is also critical. Luckily, there are several apps that can keep you motivated and focused on your goals—here’s a look at the best:
Achieving Financial Goals
For those who want a budgeting solution that keeps track of expenses in real time, Mint is one of the most popular options. This app is available for both iOS and Android operating systems and connects to bank, credit, and loan accounts, to help users understand where their money goes.
Saving more money is also a common financial resolution, and the Acorns app is the perfect solution. This handy app links to your bank account and analyzes your spending patterns to recommend an amount to save. The money saved is then invested in stocks and bonds based on your risk tolerance and overall savings style.
If you are new to budgeting, Mvelopes is the digital version of the envelope saving method. Instead of separating physical cash into envelopes and stashing them in your dresser, Mvelopes allows users to separate funds into distinct categories and links directly to most major financial institutions.
Getting a Promotion or Changing Careers
Another popular resolution deals with changing careers or landing a promotion at your company. Many people feel stuck in their current job and look to shake things up in the year to come. Fortunately, there are a few great apps that can help you land a better job.
An updated and polished résumé is one of the most important tools to take your job search or career change to the next level. If your résumé is outdated or poorly formatted, you are at a disadvantage in the job market. For iOS users, the Resume app helps get your basic résumé up to par with an easy-to-fill template that does all the hard work—just type in your details and the app formats the document. For Android users, CV Owl offers a similar solution.
If you’re an experienced professional looking to increase your presence in the New Year, apps like LinkedIn and Glassdoor are just what you need. LinkedIn is one of the most powerful professional networking sites, allowing users to connect with current and former colleagues, classmates, employers, and top industry performers. For job hunters or those trying to switch careers, Glassdoor also provides a wealth of useful information—from CEO approval ratings to specific interview questions to company salaries. Both LinkedIn and Glassdoor are available on the iOS and Android operating systems.
Becoming More Productive
Getting organized and being more productive go hand in hand, and there are several apps that can make this resolution easier to tackle. From organizing notes to keeping passwords all in one safe place, these productivity apps can help get your new year off to a great start.
Possibly the most well-rounded productivity app, Evernote allows users to keep up with notes, photos, web links, and more. Evernote effortlessly syncs information across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, desktop computers, and web versions. The free version allows syncing between two devices, while the premium and business versions offer unlimited device synching, customized templates, and more.
Keeping up with passwords can be a pain, especially if you change them often for security reasons. A good solution is 1Password, which makes accessing your passwords securely almost effortless. Rather than guessing your password and getting locked out after multiple failed login attempts, 1Password remembers your passwords for you and keeps your sensitive data safe. 1Password is available for Android and iOS.
Losing Weight
Dropping unwanted pounds—or just adopting a healthier lifestyle—has been a top New Year’s resolution for decades. Magazines and TV shows seem to focus on this resolution the most, yet most people aren’t able to stick to it. However, the best fitness and nutrition apps can make the transition to a healthy lifestyle much easier.
For those who are starting from square one and want an all-inclusive solution, MyFitnessPal combines activity and calorie tracking for a powerful app that makes it easy to keep focused on your goals. MyFitnessPal has an extensive food database that allows users to simply scan the UPC of an item to log its nutritional information in their daily food diary. The app also lets users track water intake, workouts, and weight loss progress. In addition, MyFitnessPal connects to other fitness tracking apps and offers a forum for social support.
If you’ve vowed to get into the best shape of your life this year, it may seem like a personal trainer is the only way to go. However, there are several effective apps that essentially bring the trainer to you. For example, the free Nike Training Club app provides more than 185 video workouts that are suitable for any fitness level and can be done anywhere. Available on both Android and iOS, Nike Training Club is curated by real personal trainers who provide expert tips on getting into peak shape.
An Exciting New Year Ahead
It requires a lot of determination to stick to New Year’s resolutions, but the apps we’ve discussed here can make a big difference. As you embark on another trip around the sun, using these apps can keep you on track with your goals.