Try A New Resolution: Start Small

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — Les Brown

Happy New Year! Welcome to the beginning of the 2025 calendar cycle. Now it’s time for people’s favorite thing to give up: New Year’s resolutions. Try something different this year and set small, obtainable goals. First succeed at bite sized chunks and build upon those wins.

The easiest way to give up on your resolutions is to set some insane goal(s) for yourself. Bad habits can take months or years to form, trying to fix them overnight is simply impractical. Instead, start small. Focus on one behavior you would like to change¹. A favorite approach of ours is to set a theme for the year. Come up with a sensible plan on how you’re going to change that behavior over time. Do a little bit every day or week (depending on your plan) to enact your target change². Reward yourself when you make progress.

Stick to your plan until you see the desired change. If it’s to be healthier, start with going to the gym three times a week or switch out one dessert for fruit. If pursuing a degree or certification, put aside one hour a day to study. The trick is to start small. Once you hit that target, then create a new one. Ensure the next milestone is achievable as well, based off what you have already accomplished. Repeat. Prepare to be amazed at where you end up in the middle of the year.

Action: Pick a small, achievable goal. Build a plan and start.

Further Reading:

1. The secret behind making your New Year’s resolutions last
2. 5 Ways To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions Based New Research