There’s something about the start of a new year that feels full of promise. A blank slate. A chance to turn the page and start fresh.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent some time thinking about what you want this year to look like. Maybe you want to eat better, exercise more, or make more time for rest? Or maybe you’d like to feel more in control of your habits, your energy, your body?
There’s always something on the list, right? And it does feel great to commit to creating that “best version of yourself.”
But there’s something we don’t often speak about—starting fresh can also feel overwhelming. You’ve heard the odds are against you. You know most people don’t stick with their New Year’s resolutions. And if you’ve had a few false starts yourself, it’s easy to feel anxious and uncertain whether change is even possible.
I get it.
But I’d like you to listen to another story. Because I know for sure I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t made that first step. Yes, it was another January. Yes, I’d tried before and hadn’t always succeeded. But that time, things really started to shift. I didn’t try to change everything all at once. I didn’t chase perfection. I focused on small steps that I could stick with that had a proportionally big impact.
And those steps added up.
So before you write off your resolutions—or decide not to make any at all—let’s talk about how you can approach change differently this year. How you can set yourself up for habits that actually last and changes that feel good, not forced.
Why New Year's Resolutions So Often Fail
We’ve all been there—starting the year full of motivation, only to feel it fizzle out a few weeks later. But it’s not because we’re lazy or lack willpower. The problem is often how we set our goals and the expectations we put on ourselves.
Too Much, Too Fast
We dive in headfirst, trying to overhaul our entire lifestyle overnight. When we can’t keep up, we feel like we’ve failed and slide back into old habits all at once.
Focusing on Outcomes Instead of Actions
We set goals like “lose 10 pounds” instead of focusing on the daily habits that actually lead to progress. Yes, it’s good to have smart goals set in the future, but focusing too much on them is one of the reasons motivation fades and it’s so difficult to renew.
All-or-Nothing Thinking
One slip-up and we feel like we’ve blown it, so we give up completely. We don’t acknowledge and celebrate enough of the little victories and progress that we do make.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way.
A Better Way to Approach Change
Instead of chasing perfection, let’s talk about building habits that feel sustainable—habits that don’t rely on sheer willpower but fit into your life and actually make you feel good. Here’s how:
Start With Your "Why"
Change isn’t just about what you want to do—it’s about why you want to do it. Maybe you want more energy to keep up with your kids or grandkids. Or you’re tired of feeling sluggish and want to feel strong again. Maybe you just want to feel more like yourself. Whatever it is, keep that reason front and center. It’s what will keep you going when motivation dips.
Focus on Daily Actions, Not Big Outcomes
Big goals can feel inspiring, but they can also feel out of reach. Instead, break them down into smaller steps. Want to eat healthier? Start by adding one extra serving of vegetables to your meals. Want to move more? Commit to a 10-minute walk after dinner. Small, daily actions are what create big changes over time.
Make It Easier, Not Harder
Relying on willpower alone doesn’t work—not long-term. Instead, set up systems that make sticking to your habits feel natural. Prep your meals ahead of time, keep healthy snacks on hand, and schedule workouts like you would any other appointment.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Change isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent. Celebrate the wins—whether it’s skipping the afternoon candy bar, getting outside for a walk, or cooking a healthy dinner instead of ordering takeout. Those small wins build confidence and keep you moving forward.
Be Flexible—Life Happens
Some days will go smoothly. Others won’t. And that’s okay. What matters is not letting one off-day turn into giving up completely. Focus on getting back on track, not beating yourself up.
Give Yourself Permission to Start Again (and Again)
If there’s one thing I want you to take away, it’s this—change doesn’t have to happen all at once. And it’s okay to start over. Sometimes we need a few tries to find what really works for us.
I wouldn’t be here today, doing what I love, if I hadn’t given myself permission to try again—and to keep trying.
So whether this is your first attempt at creating new habits or your tenth, you’ve got this. Focus on small steps. Build momentum. And most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Here’s one more funny thing—we hire people to help with so many parts of life. We get our nails done, pay someone to clean our houses, even hire personal trainers to keep us moving. But when it comes to changing our habits and improving our nutrition we often think we have to figure it all out on our own.
You don’t.
If you’re ready to make this year different—to make changes that feel good and actually last—I’m here to support you. As a coach, I'm here to build a personalized strategy with you, and create a plan that works for your life, not against it. I will work with you to stay motivated, solve problems when things don’t go as planned, and celebrate your wins along the way.
Change is what I do. I spent years leading change in the corporate world, and now I help people like you create sustainable habits that last. If that sounds like something you need, let’s connect.
I offer a free first consultation where we can talk about YOU—your specific challenges, goals, and needs. Especially if you’ve never worked with a coach before, this is a chance to see what it’s all about and how it could help you make lasting changes. Click here to book our call.
Here’s to a new chapter—and to trusting yourself to turn the page.
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