More possibilities with technology were created in 2020, but with that comes opportunities to take more responsibility for our digital presence.

1. Prioritise your privacy

It deserves to be first because not only are we more online than we’ve ever been before, but more companies are being called on to step up and take responsibility for it. Be it our business efforts to give our consumer confidence or to audit and protect our own data online, 2021 is likely to see more of us thinking more about our digital privacy. Making a habit of reviewing social network privacy settings and sorting out two-factor identification are two important places to start.

2. Get specific with apps and virtual reality

The capability of technology to be integrated into daily life means we can harness its synergy. Apps are being designed to guide and remind people about their goals. Increasingly, virtual reality and more is helping resolve people’s problems of wide description – from exposure therapy to public speaking to sports coaching.

There are several primary work management tools that aren’t just there to help us chart sensible paths for our business goals – they’re similarly powerful with our personal goal-setting and achievement. Outlook and Gmail both have Calendars and Reminders, for instance, to help us keep track of goals, scheduling appointments, and monitoring progress.

As a starting point, make calendar and reminder deadlines for your New Years’ resolutions.

3. Use health and exercise apps

Getting in shape tops the priority list for many thinking about the year ahead. So why do so many of us struggle to follow through on it? New fitness apps are tapping into this need – whether your goal is run a marathon or to build muscle for a bangin’ summer bod, there’s a good chance an evidence-based app will be on hand to help you achieve it.

With sharper data analytics and more capabilities than ever before, wearables are also enabling us to focus more holistically and more proactively. They’re part of the emerging field of healthtech being designed with preventative care in mind.

 4. Make use of automatic reminders, notifications and scoreboards for teamwork

Technology shouldn’t just be about productivity – the tools we’re using for the workspace could also be used to automate reminders and notifications. To-do-lists and delay-send emails as well as scorecards – these are just some of the emerging ways technology can help us with achieving specific goals by automating manual processes and tapping into what motivates us.

 5. Cut down on the clutter

Once you’ve chosen your New Year’s resolutions, the hardest part might be knowing which tech will best keep you truly on track. There are no doubt a myriad of solutions out there – some good, and some bad – the vast scale of which could leave any of us feeling overwhelmed. To dodge the rabbit holes of digging around and trying to find your ideal technology solution online, think about what your key objectives are, and then explore the ways technology can support them. Being intentional about the tools we use is the surest way to get the best outcomes.

 6. Connect with and participate in a digital community

Meeting your New Year’s resolutions is somehow easier said than done, but take comfort in that you aren’t alone in the challenges you’re facing. More often than not, others are going through something similar.

Collaborative platforms provide some great social incentive. Posting your resolution and progress online is another method to stay on track. Regardless of the channel you choose, sharing it will meet two steps towards meeting your goals. First, you’ll feel more obligated to stick to it. Second, people’s comments and reactions may provide you with motivation.

7. Consider using a digital assistant

Mobile devices usually come equipped with a digital assistant these days, from Apple’s Siri, to Google Home, and Microsoft’s Cortana. You can manage your calendar, ask them close to anything you’d search online – and set up voice-controls for devices around the house. You can also set them up to remind you regularly about progress toward your New Year’s resolution.

In world where data is being used to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, your own relationship with technology is something you’ll want to consider more. Resolutions don’t have to be whimsical daydreams. Once you’ve made the resolve, stick to it this year with the use of tech to support you.