The New Year is a fresh start that offers us a chance to commit (or recommit) to the goals that matter most. Yet, resolutions often don’t stick because we don’t set ourselves up for success. Here are five simple strategies to help us create lasting habits and achieve meaningful change this year.
1. Understand Why We Want to Make This Change
Before setting a resolution, let’s take a moment to reflect on why it matters. When goals are tied to a clear purpose, they become easier to prioritize, even in our toughest moments. Let’s consider how this change will make our lives better and the lives of those around us better. Having a strong “why” keeps us grounded and motivated.
2. Remove Those Barriers
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to achieving a goal is what it takes to get started. If better sleep is the resolution, we can create an environment that supports rest. Dim the lights an hour before bedtime, leave our phones outside the bedroom, and establish a calming wind-down ritual—gratitude journaling is mine. These small changes help us thrive by making restful sleep more likely.
3. Grab the Carrot Over the Stick
Focusing on rewards instead of punishments can make our goals feel more achievable. Sometimes, the very things that energize us—like stepping outside, journaling, or tidying up—are the ones we resist the most. By pairing these energizers with something we enjoy (aka Temptation Bundling), like listening to music or savoring a favorite tea afterward, we can ease into them and feel the boost they bring to our day.
4. Make the Situation Our Ally
Our environment plays a huge role in shaping our behavior. We can set ourselves up for success by designing spaces and routines that support our goals. If we want to exercise first thing in the morning, we can set out our workout clothes and shoes the night before. Small changes in our environment can make a big impact on our ability to stay consistent.
5. Get an Accountability Partner
Sharing resolutions with someone else can give us the extra encouragement we need. A friend, family member, or colleague can offer support and check in with us. Knowing someone is cheering us on can help us stay on track, and celebrating small wins together makes the process more rewarding. And, if you are like me, you don’t like to let people down, so you will be more likely to get it done out of obligation if nothing else.
In the end, resolutions aren’t about being perfect—they’re about making steady progress. By connecting our goals to a meaningful purpose, removing barriers, finding joy in the process, optimizing our environment, and leaning on supportive connections, we can set ourselves up for success this year.
Here’s to a year of meaningful growth and bold actions!
In gratitude,
Lainie