Ensure Success

Ah, the New Year’s resolution. Have you made yours yet? I had two 2008 vows: One, to take a picture every day, which resulted in my picture-a-day blog, Picalicious (picalicious.blogspot.com). I only missed four out of 365 days. Not too shabby! And two, get a column published. It was the first year I’ve ever achieved my New Year’s resolutions, and I give all the credit to creating a social community around them and finding a way to track my progress online. Letting others in on what I was up to kept me motivated and accountable; online tracking made the effort much easier.
    According to About.com, the most popular resolutions besides “spend more time with family” include losing weight, saving money, learning something new, stressing less, getting organized and quitting smoking. You may have attempted them in the past, but 2009 is different because it comes with all kinds of great online accessories and social communities that can help get you to stop, start and save. There are many resources out there; here are some of my favorites.

Stop Smoking
From cold turkey to patches, this is a big one, and you are going to need some support. QuitNet.com combines smoking cessation and social networking with an interactive, real-time, online community of thousands of smokers and ex-smokers who support each other with practical tips and milestone celebrations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
    SmokeFree.gov is another excellent online resource full of daily tips and encouragement to help you quit and stay smoke-free  — for good this time.

Get Fit
Researchers say that 30 minutes of cardio exercise a day, such as walking or running, combined with healthy diet can drop your health risks dramatically in just six weeks. Lucky for us, NikePlus.com has an online community of runners and walkers all over the world, making getting fit interactive and fun. Although the gear (iPod and Nike pedometer) isn’t free, the online social community is. You can find Nashville-area walkers and runners, view local trail maps, set goals, track your progress, even win little trophies all in one place.

Save Money
“Our busy lives are crazy enough without having to compare 500 mutual funds. We just want simple ways to manage our finances and save a little money,” says the popular blog TheSimpleDollar.com. It’s my favorite online resource for learning what works and what doesn’t when it comes to personal finances. You can visit the site each day or have the posts emailed to you.
    Of course, saving is easier when it’s automatic. I use INGdirect.com because it’s so simple and user-friendly. No matter what bank you save with, just save! Your future self will be very grateful.

Stress Less
Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” Enter ZenHabits.net one of the web’s most highly trafficked sites, which covers common sense, stress-reducing topics like achieving goals, productivity, simplifying your life, parenting, happiness and how to successfully implement good habits.
    Take comfort in knowing you aren’t de-stressing alone. Tens of thousands of others are learning from and acting on this blog’s advice together. Again, it’s all about the community.
 
Get Organized
Next to my iPhone, the electronic to-do list, GooToDo.com, is the tech love of my life. Add and check off a task from anywhere; forward it an email, and it will create a task for you; set reoccurring “ToDo’s” like “write column” or “pay mortgage” or “blog.” I would lose my mind without it AND it saves paper. 
    I also recommend the new online publication, Productivity Magazine, which is packed with organizational tips, tricks and things to avoid at work and at home. Download it for free, and interact with organized folk at ProductiveMagazine.com.

No matter your resolution method, make 2009 your year. Find a group, partner or blogger to share your achievements and setbacks with. Whether online or face-to-face, paper or electronic, finding a connection, community and consistent encouragement will keep you motivated and accountable.