Get a head start on the new year with this habit-tracking iPhone app

Many apps help you track specific things, such as steps, calories, or how often you've meditated recently. I use a few of these regularly. I've recently discovered the Chronicling app, which works with both the iPhone and iPad, and I think it could be a game-changer because it lets you track anything you like, all from one place. 

When I say anything, I mean anything. With Chronicling, you can keep tabs on your habits, the chores you've completed, important health data, your moods, whether you've taken your medication, and much more. From there, you can organize things, create categories, and add different icons, colors, descriptions, and notes to each new event.

It's not just the premise of Chronicling that I like, but the design. I'm not fond of cluttered apps, but others made to be super minimal can look too sparse and miss out on key functionality. But the developers for Chronicling have got it just right, with simple fonts, lots of clean lines, and space but more than enough features not to feel like anything major is lacking in favor of aesthetics. 

Does habit tracking work?

If you like the idea of using Chronicling to keep up with a new habit, like going to the gym each day or reading a book a week, then it has some features that I think will make it a solid option for actually cementing that new behavior change long after January 2024 is over.

First, you can identify patterns and trends over time using charts. Some people find that seeing their progress written down can spur them to stick to their good habits. Others prefer visualizing data and seeing what they've achieved in new and fresh ways beyond a checklist. Chronicling allows you to make small, positive changes each day and view them in whichever way works for you. 

You can also add interactive widgets to your Home and Lock screens. This is a great idea, as good habits can start strong and fade as work and life stresses get in the way. But seeing these reminders every time you look at your iPhone means you're much more likely to trigger the new habit rather than forget it. 

It's a great point in the year to start with a new habit-tracking app. By the time January rolls around and everyone else is talking about which resolutions they'll set and which they're likely to stick to, you'll already have a strong head start.

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