New Tech and Apps That Can Help You See More Success in 2019

If one of your goals for 2019 is to become a better person, why not use apps and technology to your advantage? After all, you’re probably already glued to your smartphone. That means you can learn something new or stay motivated to develop healthy habits whenever and wherever you are. 

There are all sorts of gadgets that can transport you to another part of the world, monitor your health, and help out the environment along the way.

The only problem is that there may be too many apps and products to choose from. That’s why I’ve put together the following list of 14 items that will make you a better person in 2019.

1. Headspace

Perhaps the easiest and most effective way to become a better person is through meditation and mindfulness. After all, when you’re more aware of your thoughts and in tune with the present, you’re better able to handle stress and anxiety, and these things can help you sleep better at night. It also benefits both the body and brain.

The good news is that you can use an app to guide you in your meditation and mindfulness journey. The bad news is that there are more than 2,000 meditation apps available on the market.

Headspace stands out among its competitors because it’s livelier and more colorful, thanks to its use of animated characters who not only teach the basics, but also make mindfulness and meditation fun. It’s perfect for beginners, and the techniques you’ll learn have been validated by more than 65 research studies.

The app is available for iOS and Android. You can access the basics for free, but for premium content, the app costs $12.99 per month.

2. Apple Watch

For those looking for a gadget to assist with health goals, you’ll want to check out the latest version of the Apple Watch, Series 4. It does more than just track how many steps you take in a day. It can also track sleep, monitor heart rates via ECG, and even detect early signs of health problems, like deadly thyroid disorders.

The Apple Watch can also collect your health data and create a PDF file of all your vitals automatically, which can then be shared with your doctors. It’s also packed with companion wellness apps like MyFitnessPal, Strava, Lifesum, and Pocket Yoga.

The Apple Watch can be yours for $399.

3. Habitica

Looking to become more motivated in achieving your goals? This is the app for you.

Habitica takes a creative approach to tracking and maintaining good habits through gamification. The app was inspired by RPG video games — for each task you complete, your customized avatar will make progress. It sounds simplistic, but it’s an excellent incentive to stay motivated by making it easier to track your habits while having fun. You can even have your friends, family, and colleagues join you on a quest.

The app is available for iOS and Android, and it’s free by signing in via Google or Facebook.

4. Samsung Gear VR

Virtual reality had a big year in 2018, and there are no signs of that slowing down. In fact, we can expect this technology to become more sophisticated and powerful.

While headsets like Oculus Rift have gotten a lot of attention, the Samsung Gear VR has been engineered with comfort in mind. It also comes with a controller so you can naturally navigate your virtual reality experience.

But how can this make you a better person? For the past several years, people ranging from scientists to activists to artists have used the technology to enhance their empathy. As a result, they’ve been successful in promoting environmentalism, reducing racial basis, and humanizing political enemies. You can also take a virtual museum tour or make better financial choices. 

The Gear VR can be purchased for $129.99.

5. Peak

If you’re constantly playing games on your phone, this app is right up your alley. With Peak, you play games that will challenge your cognitive skills in order to enhance your attention span, problem-solving abilities, memory, and creativity.

Peak is available for Android and iOS and is free to download. However, there are paid advanced training programs if you want to step up your cognitive exercises.

6. Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical

Getting more exercise is one of my goals for 2019. But there are some days when I’m seriously time-challenged. That’s when this nifty gadget comes into play.

Sold by Amazon for $349, the Cubii is a portable and quiet at-desk elliptical. Just place it under your desk after an easy assembly, connect to the app, and you’re good to go.

While this won’t get you sweating too much, Amazon claims it can help you burn an additional 150 calories per hour. Whether or not that’s true, getting any type of physical activity is better than nothing.

7. Goodbudget

Personally, I find creating budgets dull. However, they’re essential at both home and work. Also, when you’re able to get a grip on your finances, you can worry less, live within your means, and plan for the unexpected.

Goodbudget (iOS | Android) may not be the most exciting app, but it’s the perfect software to help you create and stick to a budget. As a result, you’ll be able to improve your financial situation.

8. Blinkist

I love to read. It’s one of the best ways to relax, collect new information, and improve my writing skills. Unfortunately, there are days when I just don’t have a chance to read. For example, if I’ve been writing and proofreading several articles, the last thing I want when I get home is to look at any more text.

Audiobooks have helped resolve this problem, but lately, I’ve been all about Blinkist. In just 15 minutes, you’re able to glean the key insights from bestselling nonfiction titles via text or audio. As a result, you can finally reach that goal of reading more books this year and becoming more knowledgeable.

Following a free trial, plans start at just $5.84 per month.

9. Story Electric Road Bike

Apps aren’t the only way to fuel your progress in 2019. This smart, lightweight, and stylish electric bike will make you want to ride to work every day. Its motor can reach speeds up to 20 mph, with a charge that will last around 40 miles. There’s also an LCD screen, six different levels of pedal assist to choose from, and a USB outlet so you can charge your phone during your commute.

Practical, better for the environment, and a way to make your health a priority: This bike is well worth the $1,895 price tag.

10. Drops

Learning a new language comes with a variety of benefits, such as boosting your brain power, improving your memory, and enhancing decision-making. It can also improve areas like math, reading, and comprehension. That’s not to mention that the growth of our global economy has made learning a new language a must.

While there are already several apps and software packages that can help you learn a new language, Drops is a free app for iOS and Android that allows you to play with a curated list of words in languages like Spanish, German, French, Korean, Japanese, and Turkish, to name a few. 

11. The To Don’t List

This may sound counterproductive, but this app encourages you to procrastinate — on your bad habits or anything you don't want to accomplish on a certain day. For example, The To Don't List could assist you in avoiding bad choices, such as checking your social media accounts or letting dirty dishes pile up in the sink.

You can download the app for Chrome or iOS.

12. Coin Up

Giving back is more than just a tax benefit. It’s good for you, it makes you happier, and it gives you a chance to connect with your passions. But what if your spare change could make the world even better?

After downloading Coin Up for iOS or Android, select a cause, link your bank account, and shop as usual. The app then sends the change to the charity of your choice each month.

13. Rocketbook Reusable Notebook

Like other successful people, I’m all about writing in a notebook. It’s a proven way to track your progress and jot down your ideas and goals. I also write down what I’m grateful for. The only problem is that constantly writing in a notebook isn’t exactly eco-friendly.

However, that’s not a concern with this handy notebook. It may look like a run-of-the-mill notebook, but it's actually a reusable smart notebook consisting of 32 wipeable pages. You can then upload your notes and doodles directly to Google Docs, Dropbox, and other cloud services so you retrieve them when needed.

14. Skillshare

There’s no shortage of online learning platforms. However, Skillshare focuses on interacting with an online community rather than watching a traditional lecture. For people like me who prefer hands-on learning, this may be one of the best places to take an online class.

While not accredited, Skillshare offers a variety of classes that can improve you personally or professionally. For example, there are classes on entrepreneurship, leadership, web development, and productivity, as well as classes on photography, animation, cooking, or candlemaking.

Skillshare is free, but there are also advanced premium courses. 

Did I leave anything out? Let me know what other new products and apps have helped you become a better person.

John Rampton is an entrepreneur, investor, and startup enthusiast. He is founder of the calendar productivity tool Calendar. You can sign up for early access to Calendar here!

This article is exclusive to LinkedIn.