Goodbye 2013! Hello 2014! Some traditions will never die ……Out with the old, in with the new, the countdown to midnight, the singing of Auld Lang Syne, the dropping of the famous Waterford crystal ball from atop of a flagpole at One Times Square in NYC. Every December 31, no less than one million spectators converge upon Times Square to enjoy a complimentary fun night of entertainment along with the 2,000 pounds of confetti and fireworks.
The prevalence of the Times Square ball drop has also inspired similar “drops” at local New Year’s Eve celebrations. In Central Pennsylvania, it’s not the largest party of the year but smaller celebration “drops” include a strawberry, a Hershey Kiss, a pickle, a white rose to name a few.
With 2014 brings another age-old tradition, making New Year’s resolutions. The most common resolutions according to the Harris poll with apps that can help you reach goal:
- Lose weight – Nutrino: Enter your current and target weighs and food preferences and this app builds a personalized menu to bring closer to your goal. (Free with iOS, Android coming soon)
- Improve Your Finances – Budget Boss: Create a budget quickly and effortlessly – then watch your predicted savings grow with easy-to-do read graphs. ($0.99 with iOS)
- Exercise – Human: Commit to moving at least 30 minutes every day with this simple app, which uses location tracking to measure your activity and notifies you when your done. (Free with iOS) I will be downloading this one.
- Get A New Job – Job Search: Find open positions near you and submit applications from your phone. (Free with iOS and Android)
- Eat Healthier – Fooducate: Scan grocery barcodes and get a nutrition grade from A to D with this award-winning app. (Free with iOS and Android)
Unfortunately, the statistics are against one trying to make a major lifestyle change. Ninety percent who set New Year’s resolutions fail to achieve their goals.
According to the University of Scranton Journal of Clinical Psychology, their studies show that before week three or four into the New Year, most people will abandon that dream, vision or desire. Why? What happens?