Habits can be great tools or nightmare problems. Breaking a bad habit, like smoking, is tough. Forming a new habit, like eating right, is also tough. But both might be important to you.

As we enter a new year, we like to address our habits, both good and bad. But it isn't easy. That's because we don't have a system. Too often, we end up failing and being angry with ourselves.

Habitforge says habits are formed or broken in 21 days. Submit your goal to habitforge, and enter your email address. You'll get a message every morning asking whether you were successful the previous day.

If you were, you're one day closer to a solid habit. If not, the timer starts over. The daily check-in will keep you on track. You'll have better habits before you know it.

Cost: Free for basic account; Paid for additional features

Link: habitforge.com 

System: Windows XP, Vista and 7; OS X