There’s an old saying that goes, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always had.”
In other words, change is good.
Of course, making real changes in our lives is not always easy. We are a culture of habit – equating the familiar with warm and fuzzy concepts of safety and security, even when the ‘familiar’ isn’t necessarily good for us. As a result, we resist change as long as possible, while talking about it, wishing for it, and promising to do it tomorrow. (See also: 25 Healthy Changes You Can Make Today)
The solution is to find a way to introduce the change gently, incorporating it into our daily lives in a way that makes it as minimally invasive as possible, so that by the time we realize we’ve made a major change, it’s already become a comfortable habit that we’ve learned to accept instead of fear.
And like so many things in life today, there’s a self-Improvement app for that. Several in fact, and I’ve listed some of my favorites here. Use them to introduce small changes into your day and let yourself be motivated to continue on to bigger and better things.
1. Journy
There are many things that you may need to move on. Journals can be used as an organizer when building habits, such as taking pills regularly, exercising or following a diet. It can also be used as a partner for individuals who have memory problems. When it comes to your vices, Journy can be a valuable goal-tracking tool or a smart notebook to help you break bad habits like nail-biting, and drinking alcohol, and surprisingly further your dating skills.
Journy is similar to a game where you fight yourself. The commitment is to acquire a long line of habits you struggle with by covering your goals. The longer the better. It takes two or three months to fully establish another daily practice, so don’t give up – it takes investment and if you’re consistent it will work; regardless of whether it takes some effort.
Format: Mobile app for iOS and Android
2. Duolingo
I’ve mentioned this self-Improvement app before, but I’m mentioning it again because it’s definitely one of those apps that you should have in your arsenal of mobile tools. Duolingo is a free self-Improvement app that gives you language lessons and in exchange helps you translate the World Wide Web (when you’re ready, of course). They currently offer French, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Italian. I am learning the first three at the same time (which is a challenge) and absolutely love this self-Improvement app. Each lesson lasts a maximum of 8 to 10 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule. The unique interactive interface almost guarantees that you’ll remember what you’ve learned. The self-Improvement app is available for iPhone and Android devices, or you can use the web interface if you want to expand your horizons from a computer.
3. Workout Trainer
Okay, how many of you had “exercise” or “get in shape” on your list of resolutions this year? Now, how many years has this resolution been on your list?
The problem with exercise is that it’s addictive…but you have to actually do it before the addiction kicks in, and getting over that initial hump isn’t always easy.
Enter the Workout Trainer. This is by far the best exercise self-Improvement app I have found to date. There is a pro version, but the free version offers more than enough to get you moving on a regular basis. Choose from a range of exercises, add your favorite music and you’re good to go. No equipment is required, step-by-step instructional videos are included for each move, and you can connect with their workout community or share your progress via email and social media platforms. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
4. Nike+
The Nike+ app uses your phone’s GPS (no additional devices or plugins required) to track your training and display your progress. I started walking in the morning and took my dog with me as part of his leash training. It’s a simple self-Improvement app, but effective, and I get excited when I hear a computer voice telling me I’ve reached my goal, or when I see that I’ve reduced my time by two minutes. (Of course, it’s probably because my 90-pound dog is pulling me faster than the day before.) You can “friend” other Nike+ users and see how you’re doing, which is good for those of us with competitive Nature. And did I mention it’s free? Click here for iOS or Android.
5. YOGAmazing
It can be challenging to get to a yoga studio regularly or, as in my case, even find a yoga studio that’s nearby. YOGAmazing is the solution to this problem, and you won’t need a player or a studio to make it happen. The self-Improvement app features 50 yoga classes designed to increase your flexibility and bring some balance to your body, mind and spirit. Each session lasts 25 minutes and you can bookmark it for easy recall. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android.
6. Simply being
If thinking really is the key to success, then this little self-Improvement app will help you open that door. Choose how long you want to meditate—5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes—and then start your day with a guided meditation. You can also choose to add nature sounds and/or music to your meditation, or just listen to the music without commentary. Available for iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Windows and Android devices.
7. Lifetick
Do you want to be more in touch with the “real me?” Lifetick offers a goal-setting self-Improvement app that not only tracks your progress but also helps you determine your core values, and what’s really important to you. As a result, your goals will be more personalized and you can track your path to success using the SMART goal-setting method. There’s also a diary feature and status widgets to help you stay inspired and on track. There is a free version and the professional version costs $20 per year. You can also create a bucket list for your long-term future and you can share your goals with other members for extra motivation. Available for iPhone and Android devices.
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