You’ve got a goal, you’ve got the willpower. But you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support (and even the right technology) keeping your New Year’s resolutions will be a lot easier. Here are some things that can help you on your path to success.
Use Facebook
When Amy L. decided that she was going to start exercising and lose 30 pounds, she declared it on Facebook. In the following weeks, she also gave updates on the changes she made to her diet, her new running program. ‘Their encouraging comments—on good but on especially bad days—kept me going.’
Set your phone timer
Some resolutions require that you block off time for particular activities. Carla G. always wanted to paint, but took a ‘practical’ and time-consuming job as a graphic artist for an advertising agency. She resolved to paint every Saturday from 9am to 1 pm. ‘It was my date with myself.’ She set her phone to ring at that time, and also programmed her electronic calendar to block off that time so she’d never set conflicting plans.
Get dedicated gadgets
Want to read more? Invest in an e-reader like a Kindle or Nook. Want to exercise? Invest in a Wii Fit. These gadgets will make following your goals more fun and convenient—increasing your chances of actually staying on track. (Read more tips on how to make New Year’s Resolutions stick).
Sign up for a web forum
Tanya B. was able to finish her children’s baby scrapbooks—something she put off for years—after signing up for a scrapbook forum. ‘Seeing the work of other members sparked my creative juices and inspired me. They also gave me great advice on where to get cheap supplies, or how to perfect some techniques.’
Start a Facebook group
Jenny G. desperately wanted to lose the 30 pounds she gained during her pregnancy. She knew that many of the friends she made the online pregnancy forum she joined felt the same way. Since they lived in different states they couldn’t exercise together, but they started a Facebook group instead. ‘We update each other, encourage each other, share tips, post photos, share links.’ Since it’s a private group, she also feels more comfortable about opening up.
Start a blog
One of the best ways to document and share your journey! Kerri M. wanted to learn photography. So she started a personal blog where she shared a photo a day.