Keeping resolutions? There's an app for that

TAMPA - It's already started: images of a happy 2011 from people across Tampa Bay who are painting a picture of themselves at the stroke of midnight, new and improved in the new year.

"My resolution is to volunteer more," says Jenny Burgess.

"Losing weight, everyone always has that every year," adds Ashley Caraway.

Tim Bender says he's going to try to read one book a week just for fun outside of classes. But when asked about any plans of how to stick to that he answers, "No. I can't think of anything."

And that's the problem the resolution "follow through."

Fear of failure is enough to keep some people from even starting.

"I would love them if it wasn't for the fact that so many people don't keep them, me included," says Debbie Castaneda.

But why don't they?

"Everything you want in life you have to work for."

That's a small dose of tough love from Dr. Harriet Raitano who believes sometimes resolutions set you up to fail.

"Sometimes people do that because they just make a flip decision, well I'm going to lose 30 pounds, and that's not really realistic," she explains.

According to the Raitano, an obtainable goal that you can see in your mind is a promise you can keep.

"Your brain is driven by pictures, so you have to see it, and it has to be within the confines of reality, or else it goes in the trash bin. So it's about being realistic and following through," she said.

There it is again: the term "follow through." Maybe now's not the time? With 2010 counting down, every minute, many people feel New Year's Day is a time for celebration, not a day of resolution.

After all, you can start new goals anytime you please.

"I'm pretty determined when I start goals, but also I've had the ones that don't work, so that's why I decided why wait until 12 o'clock," says Katriel Grant-Hope.

If you do make a resolution, there's some help on your cell phone. There are several New Year's themed apps that will send text reminders to keep all sorts of goals, from losing weight and exercising, to having a more positive outlook and going green.