How to Make New Year’s Resolutions That Actually Stick

It’s that time of year again. The calendar flips to a fresh, shiny new year, and we all get to dust off our old tradition of making resolutions. The problem? Most of us forget about them by January 17^th—which is incidentally National Ditch Your Resolutions Day! We make lofty promises to get fit, eat healthier, or read more books, and then life happens. But this year, let’s break the cycle. Let’s make New Year’s resolutions that actually stick. Here’s how to do it.

1. Be Specific, Not Vague

“I want to get in shape” sounds great in theory, but what does it really mean? Do you want to run a 5K, do 30 push-ups in a row, or just finally be able to touch your toes? The more specific you are, the better. Instead of vague goals like “I want to lose weight,” try something measurable like, “I will walk 10,000 steps a day.” Specific goals are easier to track, and trust us, checking off those small wins is addicting.

2. Set Achievable Milestones

Resolutions can be a lot like a New Year’s Eve party: exciting, but overwhelming. To avoid that feeling of “I’ll never make it,” break down your big goal into small, achievable steps. Want to read 52 books this year? Try reading one book a week, and if you miss a week, you’ve still got room to catch up. Bite-sized goals are much easier to chew.

3. Make It a Habit, Not a Chore

Building a new habit should feel like something you’re excited to do—not a list of burdens. Find ways to make it fun and engaging. If you're trying to work out more, do activities you enjoy (dancing, hiking, boxing, etc.) instead of forcing yourself to slog through hours at the gym. The key is to integrate your resolution into your lifestyle in a way that feels normal, not forced.

4. Accountability is Your Friend

Tell someone about your resolution. Better yet, find a buddy to take the journey with you. Accountability partners keep you honest and help you stay on track.

5. Expect Setbacks—and Learn From Them

Here’s the tough love part: You will mess up. It’s a given. But don’t let one slip-up derail everything. Instead of thinking, “I failed, time to abandon ship,” remind yourself that setbacks are part of the process. They’re not the end of the journey—they’re just a detour. Learn from them, tweak your approach, and keep moving forward.

6. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is personal growth. Give yourself credit for every little bit of progress, not just the grand finale. Maybe you didn’t lose 20 pounds in the first week, but you did choose a salad over pizza for lunch. That’s a win. Celebrate it! Positive reinforcement is far more effective than guilt trips. And being kind to yourself is the most important resolution of all!

In the end, the best resolutions aren’t the ones that sound impressive on paper; they’re the ones you can sustain and enjoy. So, this year, ditch the “all-or-nothing” mentality, set realistic, specific goals, and celebrate every step of your journey. By next December, you’ll have accomplished more than you ever thought possible—and you’ll be ready to set your resolutions for the next adventure!