Let’s be honest; January is usually a bit of a graveyard when it comes to big ambitions.
We start the month promising to run marathons, learn Mandarin and finally understand how mortgages work, but most of that energy usually fizzles out by the time the first Monday back at work hits.
I’ve found the most effective way to actually sticking to a resolution is to stop relying on pure willpower and start using apps that lower the barrier to entry.
These five apps aren’t going to get the hard work done for you, but they are excellent at making the “new year, new me” process feel a lot less like a chore.
ChatGPT
Most people think of ChatGPT as a place to ask trivia questions, but it’s actually at its best when you use it to clear the mental fog that comes with a fresh start.
If you have a vague goal like “I want to be more organised,” you can use it to help build a realistic weekly schedule – fitted to your specific needs – or a meal plan based on whatever Christmas leftovers you still have knocking about in the fridge.
It’s a great tool for the boring, administrative side of life, whether that’s drafting a tricky email or explaining legalese in plain English.
Just keep in mind that it isn’t 100% accurate, so I wouldn’t rely on it for anything life-altering or mission-critical. It can occasionally get facts wrong or hallucinate details, but for casual requests, brainstorming and general life admin, it’s a massive time-saver.
NHS Couch to 5K
The reason most people fail at running in January is that they go too hard, too fast, and end up hating it within ten minutes. Couch to 5K is the fix for that.
It’s a structured programme created by the NHS that assumes you’re starting from zero, mixing short bursts of jogging with plenty of walking to help you avoid burning out.
The app handles all the timing for you with audio cues, so you can just put your headphones in and follow the instructions, voiced by Olympians and famous faces.
Because the progress is so gradual, it builds your confidence as much as your fitness. It’s a very straightforward way to turn a daunting goal into a series of manageable 20-30 minute sessions that actually feel achievable.
Mimo
“Learn to code” is a classic resolution that usually ends in a confusing mess of YouTube tutorials and abandoned textbooks. Mimo takes a different approach by turning coding into something that feels more like a game.
It breaks down languages like Python, JavaScript and HTML into tiny, interactive lessons that you can finish in a few minutes. Instead of sitting at a desk for hours, you can work through a couple of exercises while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil or sitting on the bus.
It’s designed to be hands-on, so you’re actually writing and fixing snippets of code from the get-go. It’s a great way to build a new skill in the gaps of your day without feeling like you’ve taken on a monumental challenge.
Headspace
January can be a surprisingly loud month. Between the pressure to be productive and the return of a busy work schedule – CES, I’m looking at you here – it’s easy to feel a bit frazzled.
Headspace is a solid, no-nonsense way to build a bit of mindfulness into your routine without it feeling too preachy or mystical.
The app is packed with guided sessions that help with everything from stress and focus to getting a better night’s sleep. There are short three-minute ‘resets’ for when you’re having a particularly hectic day, as well as longer courses if you want to dive deeper.
It’s a practical tool for anyone who wants to lower their stress levels but isn’t quite sure where to start.
Komoot
We all know that we should spend more time outside, but it’s hard to get motivated when you’re bored of the same walk around the block. Komoot is a navigation and discovery app that helps you find new hiking and cycling routes right on your doorstep.
You just tell the app where you are and how much of a challenge you’re looking for, and it suggests routes with clear maps and difficulty ratings. It even tells you what kind of surface you’ll be walking on, which is handy for avoiding muddy bogs in the middle of winter.
It’s a brilliant way to turn a simple weekend walk into a bit of an adventure, making it much easier to hit those step goals while actually seeing something new.
