Best Apps for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

It’s the time of year when we attempt to put our best intentions forward and make resolutions to improve our lives for the new year ahead.  The problem is, they don’t always stick.

Human nature requires us to do something repetitive for 3 to 4 weeks before it becomes a habit—like going to the gym.

Fortunately, we have the technology to give us a boost.  Here are some of the most popular resolutions people make each year and some suggested apps that may help you keep them.

Exercise More

Next to losing weight, exercising more is a popular choice.  You join a gym in January and go a couple of times, then life gets in the way.  Your frequency goes from 4 days a week to 1 or 2 to “why bother.”

But in the age of COVID-19 and quarantines, we’ve quickly realized you don’t actually have to go to the gym to workout.  You’ll find dozens of apps for home workouts, exercise plans, muscle boosters, and more.  Some apps are designed exclusively for men or women and take into consideration your current age and fitness levels.

Fitbod Workout & Fitness Plans is a great app that covers workouts at home and at the gym.  Fitbod is free to download but may require in-app purchases to get the full experience.

Lose Weight

If you stick to the “Exercise More” resolution, this one is likely to be a cinch.  Medical professionals agree the best way to lose weight is with a balanced plan of exercise and healthy eating.  Noom does just that.

Noom takes a holistic approach to weight loss.  It’s a psychology-based weight loss program that continues to improve.  It now includes 10 mini-courses that will help you change your old habits.  The course topics include food and water tracking, breathing exercises, goal setting, joyful movement, and more.  The download is free.  In-app purchases are available.

Get Organized

There are lots of variations of what people consider organized.  Straightening out your closets, not missing appointments, avoiding showing up late, keeping bills paid on time, and staying focused on priorities are just a few of the ways we might consider ourselves organized.

Most professional organizers agree that writing down and placing deadlines on various tasks helps to stay on track.  Daily Planner-Habit Tracker says it will “let you really master life.”  That’s a pretty lofty goal, but at least this app will help get you closer.

Daily Planner-Habit Tracker lets you enter your daily plans, monitor your progress of habits (like going to the gym).  You can also check in on your habits to see how you’re doing against your goals.  There’s also space for daily plans.  It’s more than just a calendar.  It’s helps you think a little more deeply about your goals and stay on track.

Learn a New Skill or Hobby

Everyone wants to get out of that rut they’re in and learn something new from time to time.  Whether you want to further your formal education or simply learn a fun new hobby, technology has you covered. 

YouTube is a great resource for learning new things.  With millions of videos available, simply search for your area of interest and you’ll likely find dozens of results to help you get there.  Whether you want to do a minor car repair or learn how to cook, YouTube has the answer.

For a little more formal approach, Coursera is a great app to help you learn new skills.  You’ll learn from experts at 200+ world universities and companies, including Yale, the University of Michigan, Google, IBM, and more.  Download the app for free (in-app purchase may be required) and start building your skills in a variety of areas to support your current career or prepare for your next one.

Save More Money/Spend Less Money

You know how you carry that fifty dollar bill around in your pocket for weeks, but once you break it, it just kind of disappears?  Where did it go?  Unless you’re tracking every penny, it’s often hard to remember where the money goes—but it does.

There are quite a few apps to help you track your money.  Money Box-Savings Goal App helps you save those dollars before they slip away from you.  You set your money goals and track your personal savings.  It helps you spend cash wisely. 

The app lets you add motivational photos such as that new car or new house you’re saving for.  It’s a simple interface with features that allow you to easily organize and manage your savings targets, no matter the size of your paycheck.

So, make those resolutions!  But don’t feel like you’re alone.  Use the technology resources available at your fingertips and of course, your human support system, to help you keep them.  Good luck and have a great year!

By the way, it’s also a great time to revisit your insurance coverage and talk to your agent about plans you have for the new year.  They’ll make sure you’re adequately covered and may be able to find you some cost savings, as well.  Call your local Pekin Insurance agent today!

Please note:  Some apps may charge for services.  We do not endorse any of the apps or developers in this list; they are simply suggestions.  Always consult your physician before starting any diet or exercise program.