Why Resolutions Fail—and What to Do Instead
As the New Year approaches, the buzz around resolutions is everywhere. “This is the year I’ll get fit, eat better, or finally take care of myself!” But let’s be honest—how often do those grand plans actually stick? Most resolutions are abandoned by February (if not sooner!), leaving many feeling frustrated and defeated.
It’s not that you lack willpower. In fact, willpower isn’t even the issue. There is no such thing as willpower. What matters are the tools and strategies you use—and how consistently you implement them.
Real, lasting change happens through simple, actionable steps that build momentum over time, not through relying on fleeting bursts of motivation.
Instead of pinning your hopes on New Year’s resolutions, let’s focus on something far more effective: building small, useful habits that work for you, not against you.
Start Small, Build Momentum
Big, sweeping goals might feel inspiring in the moment, but they’re often overwhelming and unsustainable. That’s why I encourage starting with small, practical actions that are easy to repeat—and easier to turn into habits.
For example, in my How to Look and Feel Good Naked Over 40 guide, I share a simple but powerful exercise: getting up from a seated, cross-legged position on the floor without using your hands. This exercise strengthens your core, improves flexibility, and builds balance—key components of lifelong physical health.
But here’s the thing: if getting up from the floor feels too challenging right now, that’s okay. You don’t have to start there. Instead, begin with a few pillows under your seat to lift your hips, making the movement easier. Over time, remove one pillow at a time as your strength and confidence grows.
The key here isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Maybe you set a goal to practice this exercise five days a week, but you only managed three. That’s not failure—that’s progress! Three is better than zero. Some weeks you’ll do more, some weeks less, but every time you show up, you’re moving in the right direction. Celebrate that.
It’s Not About Willpower
The idea that some people have more willpower than others is a myth. What really makes a difference is having the right tools and strategies—and using them consistently.
But consistency doesn’t mean perfection. It means getting a score on the board, even if it’s not the exact score you aimed for. Those small, incremental efforts add up over time, creating a ripple effect toward better overall health and well-being.
If your goal is to eat healthier, for example, don’t worry about transforming every meal. Start with one simple swap, like replacing a sugary snack with fruit. Did you do it two times this week instead of five? Great! That’s progress.
Commit to Progress, Not Perfection
Real change doesn’t come from flipping the calendar to January 1st. It comes from making the decision, every day, that your health and well-being are worth the investment.
So, skip the resolutions this year. Start with something small. Build momentum. Focus on progress, not perfection. Every small step you take is a step toward the betterment of your health—and that’s worth celebrating.
Get Started Today
If you’re ready to take that first step, I’ve created a free resource to help you: How to Look and Feel Good Naked Over 40. This guide is full of simple, actionable strategies to help you build habits that last. Download it now, and let’s make 2025 a year of steady, meaningful progress—together.