Life Technology 6 Apps That Will Help You Hit Your Personal Goals Need someone to hold you accountable? There's a motivation app for that (several, actually). By Nicole Clancy Nicole Clancy Nicole Clancy has been a freelance health and wellness writer since 1990. She is the founder of Health Your Way Online, and her column, Simply Fit, was a regular feature in the Santa Barbara Newspress for 14 years. Nicole's articles have been internationally syndicated in Vogue, Glamour and Easy Living. She's also contributed to Real Simple, O, Rachael Ray, Reveal, Country Living, Reader's Digest, Fitness, Oxygen, Yoga Journal, Shape, Runners World, Trail Runner, Body and Soul, SELF, Redbook, Prevention, Cosmopolitan, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents, Her Sports, Good Housekeeping, Girls Life, Triathlete Magazine, Santa Barbara Magazine and Woman Magazine, as well as various health/fitness trade publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on February 23, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email The key to sticking with and ultimately achieving the goals you set for yourself is accountability, according to experts. You could always ask a friend or partner to hold you to your personal resolutions, or you could bring them in on it with you. But sometimes even that isn't enough to make new habits stick. That's precisely where goal and habit-tracking apps can come in handy. These apps differ in offerings and user experience: They range from bright and stimulating to more minimalistic; pre-set programming to flexibility and personalization; and super-niche and detailed to more general and versatile. However, all of them offer quantifiable tracking tools and helpful reminders for anyone trying to stay on course to meet a personal goal. When you find one that works for you, you'll be able to develop and maintain a pattern of healthy behaviors that turn into stepping stones toward your final destination. When we make new choices to achieve a new outcome, "we are effectively changing our brain patterns that have been engraved over many years," explains Angie Swartz, a life coach and executive business coach, and the founder of Life Purpose Advisor. "We not only need to look at what we want, but also at what's blocking us from already having those things, as well as the triggers that keep us going back to the safe, [familiar] ways we've always done things." Beyond providing reliable accountability, Swartz adds that using an app helps "highlight an upward trajectory, giving us the motivation to keep going." There's nothing like seeing your progress to get you pumped to keep going. To get your own personal motivational coach in the palm of your hand, try one of these great habit-tracking apps. Forget Time Management—Attention Management Is the Better Path to Productivity 01 of 06 Beeminder: For Tough Love apps.apple.com Beeminder.com Beeminder dares you to put your money where your mouth is by having you set your goals (anything quantifiable), make a monetary pledge for leverage (say, $5), and report on your progress in the app, which then plots your progress through data points on a "Yellow Brick Road" toward success. If your data is off and you fall behind? They'll charge you what you pledged. If you're someone who likes deadlines, binding contracts, or just can't get leverage on yourself to stick with your goals, this app is for you. Free for iOS and Android devices. 02 of 06 Habit-Bull: For Data Lovers apps.apple.com HabitBull.com Use HabitBull to track and monitor up to five separate personalized goals (for free—or unlock more features with a premium subscription). Set deadlines, write down commitments, get handy reminders, and enter number-per-week goals (e.g., I'm going to journal three mornings every week). You might even have flashbacks to elementary school star charts with its fun visual feedback of green (success!) versus yellow and red dots. HabitBull's customizable task-busting approach is an analyzer's dream with loads of data that works wonders for motivation. And best of all, receive motivational quote notifications to boost your mindset every day. Free to download, with options to pay for premium access from $5. 03 of 06 Strides: An App That Does It All apps.apple.com stridesapp.com With super-easy navigation and clean design, Strides is an accountability partner in the palm of your hand. Categorize and track your goals in four different ways, from hitting deadline-driven projects to keeping rolling tabs on habits and behaviors. Organize your to-dos into subtopics like health, money, hobbies, or relationships. If you're easily self-motivated and looking for an extra boost of accountability, this app is for you. Free to download, with premium options from $5. For iOS and Android devices. The Dangerous Trap of Toxic Productivity—and How to Break the Cycle 04 of 06 Habitify: For Minimalists apps.apple.com habitify.me This straightforward habit-tracking app keeps you in line on up to three habits with no frills or fuss, inspired by the bullet journaling technique (but better). Organize your goals into categories (finances, health, and productivity), record your growth, and watch your progress. It also features a community option, allowing you to join interest groups, follow discussions, and even pick up other users' tips and ideas.Free to download, with premium options from $5. For iOS and Android devices. 05 of 06 Done: For Procrastinators apps.apple.com thedoneapp.com Done isn't just a good-looking app, it actually helps you get stuff done. Using eye-catching (and super-satisfying) color coordination, this app is designed to help you succeed. Whether you have trouble with time management, focusing on tasks, or staying organized, Done holds you accountable by tracking up to three goals, showing you monthly and yearly progress snapshots, and highlighting your success streaks. Free to download, with premium options from $3. For iOS devices. Our Best-Ever Tips for Being More Productive (and Ditching Procrastination for Good) 06 of 06 Fabulous: For Self-Care apps.apple.com thefabulous.co The Fabulous app is particularly useful for keeping tabs on your self-care-related intentions. This app holds you accountable by focusing on the journey of your goal, breaking down larger objectives into smaller steps, and ultimately developing good, sustainable habits over time. In addition to helping you tackle unique personal goals, it offers pre-set, basic habit reminders (from drinking water to reading) and ready-to-begin self-care routines, including short meditations and exercises. If you're in need of a confidence boost and ready to get hooked on good habits, definitely give this app a try. Free to download, with options to pay for premium access from $8. Busy? The Pomodoro Technique Can Work Wonders for Productivity—and All You Need Is a Timer Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit