4 Ways to Keep your Resolutions—with Techie Tricks.

Let’s be honest: resolutions for the New Year are usually more aggravating than motivating. The old standbys and tried-and-true goals haunt all of us: we vow to lose weight, exercise more, start eating healthier. But by January 10th, most of us have already given up. How many resolutions have you set?

How many have you kept?

Common knowledge tells us—based on Maltz’s Law—that it takes just 21 days to form a new habit. But the truth is, it can take a bit longer than that. And it differs for everyone. So, rather than stick to mythical numbers or magical formulas, why not try something new this year?

Why not use the technology you already own to create goals, set reminders, and even track your progress? Here are four ways you can motivate yourself with resolutions that will stick a little longer (or at least remind you that you made them in the first place).

1. GET SPECIFIC: Rather than jump on the bandwagon with the general goals everyone else adopts—”lose some weight!” or “eat more vegetables!”—get more specific. Instead of “losing weight,” set a goal to go for a twenty-minute walk each Sunday afternoon. Instead of “eating more veggies,” resolve to replace one meal a day with a salad or healthier option than your current diet. By being more specific, you’ll be more realistic and more likely to see the changes you want to see.
2. BE MINDFUL: If you’re like most modern-day folks, you may find that your day-to-day life is grueling and often leaves you without a moment to relax. Why not set a goal in 2017 to become more focused and mindful? From meditative and yoga-based practices to the simplest of white-noise generators, hundreds of apps exist to help you become a little more focused and a little more mindful in the new year. Check out this list from Huffington Post for rankings of the top apps in this genre. 
3. DOWNLOAD AN APP: Download an app to help with your specific needs for the new year. The Guardian recently published this list of the best apps to help you achieve your goals.
4. KNOW YOUR HABITS: A goal is only as good as your follow-through. Do you know certain kinds of goals that you definitely won’t care about in a few weeks—and then you set them anyway? Explore the app store or review this list to find the right tools for your existing habits and let it help you with your short- and long-term goals.

When you use technology to help you achieve your goals, you show the good that tech can do. And if you take these tips to heart, 2017 might really be your year, after all.

What goals are you striving to meet this year? Tell us how tech enables your dreams and your goals: write your comments or questions to info@2NDGEAR.com.