Ah 2010, you came so quickly.  Where did 2009...or for that matter...the rest of the '00's go?  It wast just 10 years ago that we (well, not me at least) were terrified that the world would end because of the Y2K bug (don't worry, 2012 will once again rekindle your fears).  Now that we are 10 years into the 21st Century, a typical New Years resolutions list seems almost inadequate.  It's time to take a new approach on this time honored (and loathed) subject.


Here's The Problem

Take a look at what you wrote (or thought) about last year for your resolutions.  Did you do any of them?  Did you quit?  Statistically, only 12% of Americans actually complete their resolutions. 

One reason could be that Americans love something new, but forget rather quickly.  Ask what major events happened just a few years ago and blank stares will usually greet you.  It's not that we don't care, it's just that we don't care about remembering.  With an overload of things to remember daily from news, friends, the Internet, and your life in general...it's a bit too much.

So how can a regular Joe or Jane stick to their resolutions?  Here's some tips.


Go Electronic

Think back a year ago to how you wrote down your resolutions...did you paste it on the fridge?  Your diary?  A scrap piece of paper?  All are fine, but for many that's not where you spend your lives.  Often we result to our increasingly electronic devices.  So the logical solution is to go electronic with your resolutions!

  • Websites:  A great website called www.43things.com offers a simple way to keep not only your 2010 resolutions, but also a "life list" of everything you wish to do (fill it up!).  Best yet...when you finish a goal, it keeps track of that for you and allows you to write an article about how you acomplished it and how you felt.  That's the best part because you can scour their website for articles from other users who have already completed a similar goal to find out how they did it.  You can also find out who is also doing the same task and track them as well.  You can see my 2010 resolutions on 43 things here:  http://www.43things.com/people/resolutions/alanpeto
  • iPhone Apps:  43 things even has an iPhone app (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/43things-com/id341435272?mt=8) so keeping track is easy (and free).  Another application that I found useful is called "Day's Until" (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/days-until/id297804039?mt=8)and (also free) I've been using it for a while now.  Although it can be used as a countdown, you can also see how many days have elapsed since you started a task.  One method to use is to identify a date in the future (say you have a six month workout plan or goal) and put that date in there.  It's an easy way to see how many days you have left (or have elapsed) to finish your goal.
  • Facebook:  A popular resolution is to work out, lose weight, get fit...if it involves the gym it's usually #1.  But it's also the resolution most give up on.  Often that's because it's hard to stay motivated.  Tracking and goals are essential and a free app called "Zelky" might be the answer ( http://apps.facebook.com/fbzelky/ ).  This app not only allows you to track your workouts (which also provides graphs and statistics), but you can set 'goals' (such as complete 30 workouts in three months) that are tracked and counted down everytime you add a workout to the app. 

Partner Up

It doesn't matter if you are working out, or trying to quit smoking, having a partner is a great asset to achieving your goals.  But the key is to stay connected with each other and don't give up.  Easier said that done you say?  Here's how to ensure you both can do it:

  • Set Calendar Appointments:  Most everyone has electronic (e-mail) mail nowadays and that almost always comes along with an online calendar.  Depending on the goal your friend has, set up appointments at regular intervals (only you can determine how often, or maybe talk with your friend) to touch base with your friend.  Most online calendars can even email you when the event comes up.  Others, such as Microsoft Outlook, will remind you with the application itself.
  • Use Your Apps:  Remember that 'Days Until' app I told you about earlier?  Set a couple of reminders to talk with your buddy about their resolution.  Easy as pie!  The iPhone also has a built-in calendar that can remind you should you be living on Mars and not have an online calendar system.

Blog It...Baby!

I remember a resolution I had years ago, where I wanted to go to the gym for a certain amount of time and achieve a certain goal.  I called it my 90 day challenge (or something like that).  Because I'm a geek, I made a whole website and blog dedicated to it.  Complete with photos, calendar, blog, and links.  Now...you don't have to go that far, but the concept is the same.  You need to be constantly excited about what you are doing, and keeping a blog (for those of you who don't know what that is 10 years into the 21st century, it's essentially an online diary) is a perfect way to do it.

  • Make it a Ritual:  If this is new to you, force yourself to keep writing, no matter how much, each time you do the task (or day) until you finished your goal.  This also gets your mind "thinking" about your goal.  See the connection?
  • Get a Blog:  Don't have one?  There are oodles of places to get one.  Blogger.com has been around for a while and it's super easy to use.  If you have MySpace, there is a blog option built in, and Facebook has a 'notes' feature (and there are 'blog' applications available too...do a search to find tons of them).
  • What Do I Blog?  It's easy...and based on what you want.  For some, they like to share their feelings (very emo).  Others like to tell what they are doing to achieve their goal and provide resources (these are the helper types).  Others like to add a bit of mystery and give clues, but not the whole story...to keep you engaged (the mystery novel lovers).  

Let's Get Started!

Alright gang we are ready to go!  You've started your blog, entered your resolutions on 43things.com, got an app or two...and you are motivated!  Let me know how you are doing by discussing this on my Facebook fan page!

And most importantly, cut out this picture....and...HANG IN THERE!