Smartphone apps generally tend to serve as a distraction, but what about using tech to get motivated and achieve your goals? These apps promise to help you become more productive, whether you want to read more books, lose weight or tackle a project -- some in rather unconventional ways. Want more? Check out our hands-on test of the Astrid To-Do List app.

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Aherk
Free; online

Aherk describes itself as a "goal-oriented, self-blackmailing service." The process is simple: first, you define a goal and tell the app what your deadline is. Next, upload an embarrassing or unflattering photo of yourself. Once the deadline hits, your friends vote on Facebook and tell Aherk whether your goal was completed or not. And if not, the app will post the aforementioned photo (a Facebook account is mandatory to use Aherk).


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CARROT
$0.99; iPhone

Carrot is a little gentler. This app describes itself as a "to-do list with a personality." Your job is to keep Carrot happy by getting things done. Each time you complete a task, you can unlock app upgrades and games. But, if several hours have passed and you haven’t done anything, Carrot warns you of a mood swing, though it's not clear what happens if you dare ignore that warning. PCMag.com offers a solid review of this app, warning that while it's entertaining, it may not really help you get things done.

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DietBet
Charges vary; online

DietBet is a four-week social dieting game. You can either start your own game or join one that's about to begin. To start, each player puts a pre-determined amount of money into a pot. After four weeks, whoever has managed to lose 4 percent of his or her starting weight is considered a winner. Winners then split the pot. However, DietBet charges winners a fee between 5 and 15 percent of the payout to cover its expenses. Participants are asked to submit photos of themselves on a scale as well as a close-up of the number on the scale to prevent cheating.


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Fitbit
Free; Android, iPhone

Fitbit is comprised of a series of products that aim to help you stay active. For example, The One wireless activity and sleep tracker is a clip-on device that monitors your activity around the clock (e.g. the number of steps you take in a day, how many calories you've burned, how long you've slept). You can sync Fitbit's devices with the iPhone and Android apps to see your progress and share with friends. Fitbit members get badges as they achieve their goals.**



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Lift
Free; iPhone

Lift is an app that helps you "identify good habits" and track your progress, while receiving support from your friends. After downloading the app, you can select from over 300,000 activities, such as reading or exercising, or you can create your own. As you check off tasks, the app compiles a report so you can see how you are doing. Using the app to monitor your progress, you and your friends can see how active everyone is being and motivate one another. The company says it will soon release a web version of the app.