Happy New Year! Is 2026 going to be your year? Are you planning on being the best possible version of you? Of course you are! A whopping 80% of Americans set a New Year’s Resolution… and a whopping 6% keep these resolutions long-term.
The new year brings new motivation and can be a great time to set new goals. However, you may be thinking “what’s the point?” if most of those goals or resolutions are abandoned by the end of January. I’m here to tell you that you can put an end to that cycle! Here are 5 tips to help you keep your resolutions and reach your goals:
Utilize SMART Goals
What are SMART Goals? It is a framework for goal setting that assists you in turning vague aspirations into clear objectives. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This type of goal significantly increases the likelihood of success.
Set the Bar Low
A lot of people fail to keep their New Year’s Resolution because the outcomes fail to meet their expectations. With goals like “save money for a house” or “lose 30 pounds”, the outcome can take months or years to achieve. If you set small goals (i.e., lower the bar), you can meet your goals quicker and keep your motivation high.
For example, instead of having a goal to “lose 30 pounds”, try starting with smaller goals like:
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- Eat 2 fruits and 2 vegetables each day.
- Walk 5,000 steps a day.
- Do not drink soda more than twice a week.
Create a Detailed Plan
It is believed that because New Year’s Resolution are what people “want” that they will have the will power to abide by these resolutions. However, research (and possibly experience) tells us that isn’t always the case. It is much easier to follow a plan with steps to achieve along the way. Create a possible timeline to keep track of your progress. This will help keep you motivated to achieve the main goal you set for yourself.
For example, if your New Year’s Resolution is to “run a 5K”, where do you start? Do you just go out and start running 3 miles? Absolutely not! Here is an example of a possible plan to “run a 5K”:
Change Takes Time
Did you know that simple habits (i.e., eating fruit with meals or drinking an extra cup of water a day) can require between 30-60 repetitions to become automatic? Complex habits (i.e., exercising for 30 minutes) can require at least 100 repetitions to become automatic. What does that mean for your New Year’s Resolution? That means that you’ll be thinking and actively trying to implement those goals for at least 3-4 months into the year.
Progress, Not Perfection
No one can be perfect at their resolutions no matter how hard you try. So, be kind to yourself and kick that “all-or-nothing” mindset to the curb. Since we know we can’t be perfect, it’s a good idea to have a plan for bad days or slip ups. Something is ALWAYS better than nothing. For example, if you’re sick and don’t have the energy to attend your cycling class, try performing 10 minutes of light stretching at home instead.
With these 5 tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be sure to stick to your resolutions and reach your goals. Let’s make 2026 the happiest and healthiest year yet! Happy New Year!