As 2009 comes to an end, many of us — myself included — are already thinking about a list of new resolutions and goals for the new year.  The problem I’ve always encountered is how to stay on track.  Sure, just like everyone, I’m motivated in January; but then I find myself waning a few months later. By the following December I dread looking back to see how many of those lofty goals I actually achieved.

A web application called Lifetick aims to keep us all on track with what we  want to get done.  Whether you want to get in shape, train for an upcoming marathon, earn that degree, get your finances in order, or finally take that trip you’ve put off year after year — Lifetick may be just what you are looking for to start the New Year off right.

Let’s be honest, we all probably know what it takes to achieve goals.   It takes time, dedication, patience, motivation and a very clear path.  Your goals have to be S.M.A.R.T: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant to your values, and timed to have an actual end-date in mind.

Lifetick aims to bring all of these goal-setting and tracking features into the 21st century using a web application that you can access either from your computer, iPhone/iPod touch or Google Android smartphone.  Unfortunately, as their FAQ explains, there are no plans to expand to any other mobile platform like Symbian, Windows Mobile, webOS or BlackBerry.

What I really like about the Lifetick approach is that it really guides you through entering your goals so that they are specific, measurable, etc.  When you first sign up for a free Lifetick account, you have the opportunity to define different areas that you want to focus on. You can then set up detailed plans for each goal that can include deadlines, tasks, calendar entries, journals and motivational email reminders .

Lifetick will also give you a visual “dashboard” view of your progress and tasks with charts and and progress bars. The journal tab, below, lets you maintain any notes or thoughts that may benefit reaching your individual goals.

The free version of Lifetick limits you to 4 goals, and no journal entry.  The $20-per-year version lets you input and track an unlimited number of goals, provides full journal-entry functionality and lets you select various widgets — like inspirational quotes, upcoming/overdue tasks, graphs, and a “goal countdown” timer — that you can set up to personalize the progress of your own goal tracking.

I’m going to be giving Lifetick the full run this year to see whether that $20 investment helps me stay focused on all those little things that, in the end, add up to reaching the “big” goals I’ll be setting for myself.  What about you?  Are you up to sticking to a few resolutions and making 2010 a little better than ’09?