Practicum 4 Becky Jones

Out of all the social networks that I joined this semester, 43things was the one that I was probably the most excited to join. 43Things is a social networking site that individuals can join to record and share their personal goals. There is an area for both new years resolutions and long term goals. What is great about the site, is that it goes when other people adopt the same goals as you. In addition, people can comment on challenges they have faced in reaching their goals, or the ways they have overcome them. Right off the bat, this site had something to offer me. I made it one of my goals to run a 5k this year. I read a few comments about people that had downloaded an Ipod application designed to help people achieve a 5k. I immediately downloaded the app and felt totally encouraged. A few weeks later, I realized where 43things and I may be at odds. I started receiving e-mails in my inbox reminding me that I hadn’t updated my progress, achieved any, or set new goals for a while. I was active on the site and making friends, but nonetheless, 43things was unsatisfied, it wanted me to achieve my goals. This was definitely a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I found it motivating…on the other hand, I realized I had quit my 5k app halfway through and became quite guilty, despite the other things I have been able to accomplish in the past few weeks. On the upside, even if 43things knows I haven’t reached my goals yet, the new friends I have been recruiting on the site have cheered me on my goals…and they don’t need to know my progress/ lack there of.