Black Web 2.0′s New Year’s Resolution Tech 2011

As we begin our preparations to ring in the new year, some of us will attempt to take advantage of the clean slate status of the new year by making resolutions to change ourselves for the better. Many people discover that making a resolution and actually keeping it are two totally different things and end up abandoning their goal not even two weeks into January. In fact statistics show that only 46% of people that make a new year’s resolution can maintain it past six months. In an effort to help our readers stick to their resolutions, here are a few items that can keep you on track in 2011.

Health/Fitness

It never fails, every January the number of gym memberships increase exponentially as people are ready to tackle the battle of the bulge and have their body beach-ready by the spring. With Xbox and PlayStation joining the motion control arena, gamers can exercise more than their thumbs. In addition to games like Dance Central and Michael Jackson: The Experience, gamers can also shed some pounds with dedicated fitness titles such as Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, Active 2 and Get Fit with Mel B.  Those who want to take their fitness beyond the home should check out RunKeeper Pro, (iPhone and Android), FatSecret’s Calorie Counter (Android, Blackberry, iPhone, iPod Touch) or Adidas’ miCoach (Blackberry, iPhone).

Employment

According to YBP Guide, 84% of workers will be looking for a new job when the new year rolls in. To help the search process run a little more smoothly, Android users should check out Hire*A*Droid. The app aggregates job listings from Indeed, SimplyHired, and LinkUp providing a quick method to find job listings. iPhone users should check out iJob. Another great app is CamCard (Blackberry, iPhone, Android) which allows users to exchange business cards wirelessly. Other helpful apps include, Monster, LinkedIn, and Craigster.

Love

Looking for “the one” or maybe mr. or ms. right now? Finding love online is easier than ever thanks to apps like Match and eHarmony. For those of us that want to keep a little money in our pockets can try out free apps like OkCupid,  Dating DNA, Skout, Grindr or Wertago. Before you agree to meet your new potential love interest, make sure to run their name through an app like DateCheck or MyMatchChecker.com to ensure that person is up to snuff. In the game of love, you can never be too safe.

Finances

The nation’s economic downturn has caused many people to tighten their belts and make some hard decision. Now that the economy is making a slow march to recovery, many want to begin rebuilding 401(k)s, getting out of debt, and repairing their credit. Mint continues to be one of the most popular apps on the market for managing money matters, but those looking to try something different should give these apps a try. Financisto (Android) allows users to track daily spending. When the tally’s complete, users have the option of backing the file up on Google Docs. SplashMoney (BlackBerry, iPhone, iPad, iPhone Touch, Android, Palm OS) allows users to manage their money on the go, tapping into online banking accounts, creating budgets, and analyzing spending via easy to read charts and reports.

With a little willpower and these apps in your corner, no resolutions should be too hard to keep. Good luck and Happy New Year!

About the Author
Sherri is a freelance writer that has a love of all things fun and geeky including gadgets, gaming, anime, and comics. When she isn't writing or out on the town living it up, she loves doing 10-12 hour marathon sessions on her Xbox 360 or one of her older consoles. It's not an addiction, it's a way of life!
See all posts by Sherri L. Smith.