By: Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN
As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s tempting to dive headfirst into ambitious New Year’s resolutions. But let’s face it: how many of those big promises actually stick? This year, instead of resolutions, consider embracing sustainable habit changes that can lead to long-term success and well-being.
New Year’s resolutions often fail because they are typically too broad or too rigid, leaving little room for life’s curveballs. Sustainable habit change, on the other hand, focuses on small, realistic adjustments that build over time. Think of it as planting seeds that grow into healthy routines.
Here’s how to get started:
Choose One Focus Area: Instead of overhauling your entire life, pick one area—like improving sleep, eating more vegetables, or being more active—and make it your priority.
Set Micro-Goals: Break your focus area into tiny, achievable steps. For example, if your goal is to drink more water, start by adding just one extra glass a day.
Build on Success: Once a habit feels natural, build on it. That extra glass of water could grow into carrying a water bottle daily or swapping sugary drinks for water at meals.
Track Progress: Use a journal, app (like Habit Tracker or Cronometer), or a simple checklist to celebrate small wins and stay motivated.
Be Kind to Yourself: Change is rarely linear. If you slip up, don’t give up. Reflect, adjust, and keep moving forward. Don’t give up completely if you have one “off” day.
Another thing that may be beneficial is to surround yourself with inspiration and resources on successful habit change. Create a vision board of all things you want to accomplish and hang it somewhere you are able to look at it often. Read books such as Atomic Habits by James Clear or Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport. Listen to podcasts like Habits of Success or The Habit Coach with Ashdin Doctor. Better yet, get plugged into a community of like-minded individuals so you can keep each other on track!
By focusing on sustainable habit changes, you’re not only more likely to stick with your goals but also to build a foundation for ongoing improvement. Let’s make 2025 the year of steady, meaningful progress—one small step at a time!
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