Web site helps people keep their goals

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Right after the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, many people decide to make some resolutions. Promises to lose weight, to read more, to call family more often or to quit a vice are just a few of the examples that people proclaim to themselves. However, often times, these vows are broken within weeks, sometimes even hours. That is where 43 Things steps in.

43 Things is a free social networking Web site where people can create accounts and then share lists of hopes, pacts and commitments they have made. Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace have become immensely popular in the last six years. They have become a place where people can keep in touch or share their thoughts and photos. However, 43 Things has cornered the market on sharing resolutions and helping people keep their word. After sharing their promises, people can encourage one another to attain their goals through a network of accountability partners. The site's motto is "list your goals, share your progress and cheer each other on."

When logging on to 43 Things , there is an area to start a life list. When one starts a life list, it will mention how many people share that goal, so any member could cheer on another. Once a member accomplishes a goal, they move the promise from the pending list to the accomplished list. Kelley Metzger, an avid member since 2006, thinks the site is really helpful.

"It helps me stick to things all year long," said Metzger. "So, instead of making the resolution in January, and then forgetting about it by Feb. 3. I think the site really helped as I'm going things that go towards different goals. I can write them down, keep track of my progress. If I notice that it's been a week since I've written about a certain goal, I think 'should I be doing something about this?'"

There is an area on the site where members can draw inspiration from other people's pledge ideas. The Web site claims to give people richer lives by letting people list their resolutions. Many people chronicle their progress and receive cheers from readers. A member can also adopt another person's oaths.

"It's helpful to see what other people are doing to meet their goals," said Metzger.

Another interesting tool is the ability to post in two places at once. For example, if a member has a blog in addition to being a part of 43 Things , they can post their progress on the site and it will re-post the information on their personal blog.

"I have a blog," said Metzger. "Sometimes I cross-post. It saves me a little time."

Also, with the ability to reference old goals and set new ones, the site tries to inspire people to keep setting new benchmarks.

"Last year, I said I wanted to read 50 books in a year," said Metzger. "I ended up reading 89 books. I've been upping my goals every year."

In 2005, 43 Things won the Webby Award for best social networking site, and in mid-2007, the site reached over a million users. So, for those who want to stick to their resolutions for the first time in 2009, or just publicly account their recent undertakings, 43 Things is a valuable tool for the new year.