Your Moment is Now

The New Year often feels like a fresh start—a perfect opportunity to break bad habits and create routines that help you grow mentally, emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually.

Chances are, at some point in your life, you’ve made a New Year’s resolution… and then abandoned it. This year, break the cycle of deciding to make a change and not following through. If your resolution is to take better care of yourself and improve your health, you’ll have a much better year if you stick to it.

According to statistics, one-third of people who make New Year’s resolutions have abandoned them by the end of January.

Many resolutions fail because they aren’t the right ones. A resolution may be “wrong” for one of three main reasons:

• It’s based on what someone else (or society) says you should change.

• It’s too vague.

• You don’t have a realistic plan to achieve it.

Your Goals Should Be SMART

How to Set Achievable New Year’s Goals

Have you ever heard of a SMART goal? SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s a widely used framework in business and fitness coaching to help clients set realistic goals—and it’s just as useful for any New Year’s resolution you might be considering.

Creating a SMART goal dramatically increases your chances of success. For common resolutions—like exercising more, improving eating habits, or saving money—this method can make a real difference.

Whatever your goal, the important thing is that you’re on the right path. Here are some tips to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions and maximize your chances of success:

1. Start Small

It’s normal to feel motivated and excited, but don’t let ambition push you toward unattainable goals. If you want to try a new activity, don’t commit to doing it five times a week from day one. Start slowly, so your mind and body can adjust, then build from there. Small, achievable steps help prevent discouragement.

2. Be Specific

Clear, small goals keep you motivated. “Save money” is a good intention—but how and how much? Without defined parameters, even the best intentions can get lost. The more detailed your goal—for example: “I will save $30 a week by eating one less meal out”—the easier it is to stay on track, and each success gives you a reason to celebrate.

3. Be Realistic

The surest way to fail is to set an unreachable goal. Saying you’ll never eat your favorite food again sets you up for disappointment. Instead, aim for a realistic target, like enjoying it less often than you do now.

4. Talk About It

Don’t keep your resolutions a secret. Share them with mentors, coaches, close friends, or family who can support your journey. Even better, find a friend with a similar resolution—you can motivate each other.

5. Be Persistent

Experts say it takes about 21 days to form a new habit and around six months for it to become part of your lifestyle. Change doesn’t happen overnight, so be patient and consistent.

6. Keep Trying

If by mid-February you feel your resolution slipping, don’t despair. Start again. Commit for just 24 hours. Anyone can achieve something in a single day. Those 24-hour wins add up, and before you know it, you’re back on track.

“The moment is now; don’t wait for a Monday, January 1st, or any other date—start today.”

Remember: Change Is a Process

The unhealthy habits you’re trying to break likely took years to form. How can you expect to change them in a few days or weeks? Be patient with yourself.

Identify the right resolutions to improve your life, create a clear plan to achieve them, and join the small group of people who successfully reach their goals.

Raquel Torres, MBA
USAT Triathlon Coach Level 1–2 Elite
www.raqueltorres.org
raquel@athleticmentors.com