How can you stay on track with your long-term goals? There are websites for that, whether you want to “lose 10 pounds” or “get along better with your spouse.” So, here are a few websites and applications to help you cross big things off your to-do list, courtesy of Family Circle:

• First, HabitForge.com. Numerous studies show that it takes 21 days for any new behavior to become a habit, whether you want to lose weight, manage stress or quit smoking. So this free website sends you a daily reminder for 21 days, and asks you to report how you did yesterday. It gives you encouragement while you’re succeeding, and if you fall off the wagon, it rolls the count back to zero and starts a new 21-day countdown.
• Then there’s StickK.com. The free website lets you pick a goal, and has you put your money where your mouth is to provide extra motivation. You agree to a contract with them. If you’ don’t meet your goals – say losing one pound a week – StickK hits your credit card for a $5 donation to a person or organization that you hate or don’t want to support. They find that the risk of losing money increases the chances of success threefold.
• Then there’s Life Balance on the iPhone – an elaborate life-coaching and to-do list management program. The $5 app lets you set up specific goals and break them into baby steps.
• Also, studies have shown that the act of writing down what you eat and drink every day can help you lose weight, because you’ll be more aware of your food weaknesses, making you less likely to overindulge. The good news is there are many downloadable cell phone applications which can help make keeping a food journal accurate and easy – like the free Lose It app for the iPhone.