The Anti-Resolution Guide
The lazy person's guide to New Year's Resolutions
January ushers in a new year and a new beginning. With a clean slate, we resolve to change our lives with an eye on self-improvement. Setting goals and embracing change are positive things, but the sad reality is that most of us will abandon our New Year's resolutions by Valentine's Day. Research tells us that about 80% of people fail to keep their resolutions.
Statistics like this have started an anti-resolution trend. Some people in the anti-resolution camp simply refuse to make any resolutions, while others just trash the large list of goals that they will not achieve. Instead, they start off the New Year making small daily changes. This anti-resolution mindset accepts that we're not lazy, we're human. So we start with baby steps.
One of the best and painless ways to make small changes is to use technology. Whatever you have resolved for the New Year, there is a free app, site or web tool to help you achieve your goal. If you haven't made any resolutions, then consider this list. You don't have to get up from your chair or the couch. Help is only a click away.
1. If you want to de-clutter your home and get organized
Start the easy way by reducing the amount of paper clutter that enters your house, office or desk.
These sites are free and easy to use. I've used them all for a few years and love opening my mailbox to find only personal mail and magazines. Bonus: it's good for the environement.
To stop prescreened offers of credit cards or insurance.
Opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial mail from many national companies for five years.
Reduce the amount of direct mail you receive and get on the national do not mail list.
A free service (with a paid version for more options) to reduce the amount of catalogs and direct mail you receive.
2. If you want to get your finances in order and be smarter about how you spend your money
Organize all your financial accounts online and easily keep track of how much you spend. Create budgets and make savings goals. A great tool!
A free, easy rewards program to help you and your children save for college with your everyday spending.
An online piggy bank for saving for specific events (a wedding, a trip) or helping your force-save to your regular accounts.
Keep track of your credit score with creditkarma.com. This site is free and also gives advice on how to save money and protect your credit.
I've never tried the below tools personally, but they come highly recommended:
Shoeboxed app
If you want to get into shape and lose weight
If your current status is “couch potato”, then think about putting aside the huge goals (lose 40 pounds, get a six-pack) for now. Find the best tool or app below that will help you gradually change your lifestyle.
Use this site for some before and after inspiration of yourself. Print the “after” photo of yourself for an extra boost.
Sign up for free daily emails or texts to “nudge” yourself towards better health and a more rewarding life.
From the site: “Change takes time and repetition, like drops of water changing stone. Nudges are a great tool to help remind you to stay on track to reach your goals and create new, healthy, positive habits.”
This free desktop app reminds you to get up and move at regular intervals during the day and shows you exercises you can do at or next to your desk. The mini-workouts are 2-4 minutes and can be done anywhere. You might get some odd looks from your cubicule colleagues, but there's no special equipment required.
If you already know that a gym membership is not for you but you are inspired to start working out, then look into these alternative exercise programs:
This six-week training program guides you through a push-up workout for better strength and fitness.
A gentle slide from the couch to the starting line.
I use mapmyrun.com to keep track of long-distance runs, but you can also use their online route creator for hikes, dog walks and errands around town. You can also see popular running, walking or biking routes entered by other users.
