Motivational ringtones help with keeping New Year's resolutions

By Lorraine Eaton
The Virginian-Pilot

Need more than a nudge to keep your New Year's resolutions on track?

Enlist your cell phone to give you a motivational kick in the butt every time you get a call.

Resolved to get a new job this year? Go to www.ringtones.thumbplay.com and replace your meaningless ring with a reminder from a smart alec-sounding guy who says, "Hey, loser. Get a job. You can't even afford to take this call." (Be sure to silence it during interviews!)

Maybe weight loss is your resolution. Replace your cheery melody with this admonishment: "Hey... remember your promise for '07. Lose weight. Stay fit. Eat better. Don't make me come out of this phone."

If it's debt that's dogging you, how about a woman voicing these words with perfect enunciation every time the phone rings? "Put. The. Credit. Card. Away."

Other ring tone replacements remind us to go to the gym and volunteer. A hacking cough is a constant reminder to quit smoking. A "mother-in-law" ring coaxes you into ignoring the call.

Downloads are $2.99 each. Go to www.ringtones.thumbplay.com; under "Special Features" in the menu on the left side, pick "New Years Resolutions."