From Resolutions to Results: How to Make 2026 the Year You Follow Through

Christmas is approaching, it also means the New Years is just around the corner. And with that comes the annual ritual of setting New Year’s resolutions…only to break them a few weeks later (for many of us, at least).

I will admit, I have fallen into that trap myself. But over the years, I have learned just how powerful proper goal-setting can be when it comes to actually achieving what we set out to do. So, a few years ago, I decided to rethink the traditional resolution. After exploring different approaches, I created what I call “The New Year’s Aspirations” … a better, more sustainable way to crush your goals.

First, a Few Facts

Before diving into what the New Year’s Aspirations method is, let’s look at some interesting facts I found while researching this topic. These insights come from a variety of studies and articles…and yes, I cherry-picked the highlights (otherwise, this would have turned into a book!). And majority of these, I have already seen in my sessions with clients.

Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work

Most people have good intentions when setting resolutions, but here’s what often goes wrong:

• 35% break NY resolutions by end of Jan; only about 20% make it through the year.

• People tend to set “unrealistic expectations” making it harder to accomplish them.

• They tend to have an “all or nothing” attitude and try to do too much at first. They start working on all their goals at once which leaves them burned out.

• Finally, people tend to make our goals based off of what others think they should do, not what they truly want.

10 Most Common New Year’s Resolutions

You have probably made one, or several of these at some point:

1.      Exercise more

2.      Lose weight

3.      Get organized

4.      Learn a new skill or hobby

5.      Live life to the fullest

6.      Save more money/spend less money

7.      Quit smoking

8.      Spend more time with family and friends

9.      Travel more

10.  Read more

New Year’s Aspirations

Now, let’s talk abut my alternative to the traditional New Year’s resolutions. I’ll share a few tips on setting realistic goals in a moment, but first, here is how the idea of the New Year’s Aspirations come to life.

Like many people, I used to set goals every January, just to fall off the wagon a few months later and eventually give up altogether. And, like most, I saw the New Year as a fresh start instead of what it really is…just another day, followed by another, and another.

It is the same mentality some have with Mondays. They see that day as a “reset”, so they let loose over the weekend, undoing any progress they made the week before. That mindset doesn’t set you up for success, if anything, it keeps you stuck in a vicious cycle that leads to frustration.

So, I started asking myself: how do we break that cycle and actually stick to our goals?

The answer: stop treating New Year’s resolutions like some magical event, and start treating them like any other goal-setting process. Recognize that achieving goals is an evolutionary process…something that shifts, adapts and grows with you over time.

Goals do not have to be rigid or set in stone. Life changes, and if your goals need to adapt to the changes, then let them. As life happens, you might need to tweak your long-term goals, adjust a short-term step, or even toss out the ones that no longer fit your life. That is not failure…it’s flexibility!

Time To Set Up Your New Year’s Aspirations

Alright, first thing first…grab a notebook, a fresh document, or even a napkin of that’s what you have handy. The New Year’s Aspirations process starts by simply writing down your goals. Here are a few practical tips to help you set realistic and achievable goals:

1. Make your goals SMART.

That’s Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. There clearer your goals are, the better your chances of success.

If your goals do not feel SMART just yet, no problem. Starrt by getting them on paper first. You can refine and shape them over time. Once you have written them out, try breaking each one down into smaller, actionable steps (these are some of your short-term goals), and make those SMART too.

Trouble thinking of some goals? Explore that past year. Think about what went well, what your struggles were and amazing things you did. Then think about the upcoming year and what you would like to see different from last year and what would you like to start doing or keep doing. This should get you jump started on your goal list.

2. Ask yourself ‘why’ you set each goal, why they matter.

This step is vital. Your ‘why’ is the driving force that keeps you going when your initial motivation fades…and let’s be honest, it will.

Understanding your reasons helps transform your goals from vague wishes into meaningful commitments. Whether it’s improving your health, building confidence, or creating more balance, your ‘why’ will keep you grounded and focused when discipline has to take over.

3. Decide when to start.

Not every goal needs to kick off on January 1^st. Some may make more sense to begin in March, or even August.

There are two main reasons for this:

• Starting everything at once is overwhelming and often leads to burnout.

• Some goals may require preparation or the right timing before you can realistically begin.

By mapping out your goals by month, you can spread your focus and keep your momentum going all year long. Each month, pick a few short-term goals to work towards…these smaller wins will build the foundation for your long-term success.

Staying on Track with Your New Year’s Aspirations

Now that you have set your goals, here are a few extra tips to help you stay consistent and motivated throughout the year:

• Define your support system. Surround yourself with those who will encourage you and hold you accountable. Be mindful of those “partners in crime” who mean well but tend to pull you off track. Support is important, but it needs to be the right kind of support.

• Keep a journal of your journey. Write down what’s working, what’s not, and your small wins along the way. On days you struggle, look back at your notes. You will be able to remind yourself of how far you have come and what strategies truly help you move forward.

• Celebrate mini goals. Do not wait till the finish line to celebrate progress. Each small milestone matters, so plan a reward or moment of recognition for hitting those steps along the way. Progress is progress, celebrate it.

• Think long-term sustainability. Lost 20 pounds? Great! But how will you maintain it? Landed your dream job? Fantastic! But what comes next? Reflecting on how you will sustain success keeps your progress from fading once the initial excitement wears off.

• Be aware of obstacles. Life happens. Stress, relationship, work, and daily responsibilities can all impact chances of obtaining your goals. You may not be able to eliminate these obstacles, but being aware of them helps you prepare and respond in a healthier way.

• Use your resources. Whether it is professional guidance, educational materials, supportive friends, or even apps that track your progress, the more tools you have, the better equipped you will be to reach your aspirations.

I hope these tips give you a solid foundation to start building, and keeping, your goals this up coming year. Remember, life isn’t static…and your goals shouldn’t be either. Adjust them as needed, give yourself grace when things don’t go perfectly, and celebrate the process as much as the results. You got this!!

🌟 Ready to get started? Take ten minutes today to write down your first three aspirations and one small step toward each. The journey begins now!

Stay curious. Stay ambitious.

If you found this information useful, please check out my podcast or follow me on Facebook. Any topics you would like to cover? Email me at Renee@bodyandmindstrong.com.(I will NOT use your email for any type of mailer list or spam!!)