New Year’s resolutions: love them or hate them, they seem to be a universal tradition. I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest fan of them. Why wait for January 1st to make a change when you can start today? But I also understand why some people feel inspired by the idea of a new year. It’s a blank slate, a fresh start, and a symbolic time to reflect and set new goals. And honestly, even thinking about making a change is awesome—it’s the first step to becoming a better version of yourself.
Unfortunately, the reality is that most New Year’s resolutions don’t stick. According to studies, about 43% of people expect to fail before February, and only 9% successfully keep their resolutions long-term. That’s a sobering statistic. So why is it so hard to follow through?
The problem often lies in setting goals that are too big, vague, or unrealistic. “I’m going to lose 50 pounds this year” or “I’ll work out every day” sounds great on January 1st, but without a clear plan or manageable steps, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and give up.
How Can You Be Among the Few Who Succeed?
If you’re serious about making a change, the key isn’t to go big—it’s to go small. Focus on building small, sustainable habits that lead to lasting change. Here’s how:
- Set Realistic Goals: Instead of aiming to lose 50 pounds, start with a goal to lose 5. Once you hit that milestone, set the next one. Progress builds momentum.
- Break It Down: Big goals can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller, actionable steps makes them manageable. For example, instead of “I’ll work out every day,” aim for “I’ll go to the gym twice a week” and build from there.
- Track Your Progress: Writing down your goals and tracking your progress can help keep you accountable. Use apps, journals, or even a simple checklist.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait until you’ve reached the end goal to celebrate. Recognize and reward yourself for hitting smaller milestones along the way.
- Be Flexible: Life happens. Missing a workout or indulging in a cheat meal doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Adjust your plan and keep moving forward.
Change Starts Now
Whether or not you’re into New Year’s resolutions, the fact that you’re even thinking about making a change is something to be proud of. But don’t fall into the trap of waiting for a specific date to start. Every day is an opportunity to grow and improve.
At Blackstone River CrossFit, we believe in setting realistic, trackable goals and building habits that stick. That’s why we’re focusing on health and wellness with initiatives like our upcoming 30-Day Habits Challenge. These programs are designed to help you create small, actionable changes that lead to long-term success.
So, as we head into the new year, ask yourself: what’s one small change I can make today? Start there, and the rest will follow. You’ve got this!
