As the New Year approaches, many of us reflect on the goals we want to achieve—especially those related to health and wellness. It’s a fresh start, a chance to commit to becoming stronger, healthier, and more energized. But how do we bridge the gap between setting goals on January 1st and actually achieving them throughout the year? The answer lies in creating and sustaining healthy habits.
I recently read Atomic Habits by James Clear, and I was inspired by his powerful insights on the impact of small, intentional habits and their practical applications for creating lasting change. In it he says, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” In other words, goals set the destination, but habits are the systems that get you there.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated about falling off track with a New Year’s resolution, you’re not alone. Clear explains that real change doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it’s about making small, manageable changes and repeating them daily. Think of it like climbing a staircase—you don’t leap to the top; you take one step at a time.
Here’s how you can start:
Focus on Small Wins: Start with habits that feel achievable. Drink an extra glass of water daily, take a 10-minute walk after lunch, or commit to five minutes of stretching each morning. Small habits done consistently compound into big results.
Make it Obvious and Easy: Set yourself up for success. Leave a water bottle on your desk as a reminder, or lay out your workout clothes the night before.
Track Your Progress: Visual reminders—like a calendar or habit tracker—keep you motivated. Seeing streaks build over time is incredibly powerful.
If building new habits is something you struggle with, I invite you to join me and the EmpowerFit HC community for our upcoming “Step Into Healthy Habits” Challenge, starting January 6th. This 4-week challenge focuses on creating simple, sustainable habits—like reaching a daily step goal, drinking more water, and taking care of yourself consistently. It’s about progress, not perfection, and building habits that last well beyond January. Learn more at our Facebook page or by visiting www.empowerfithc.com.
Remember, healthy habits are the foundation for any goal, whether you want to feel better, get stronger, or simply enjoy more energy in your day. The New Year is your blank slate. Take it one habit—and one step—at a time.
Ready to step into healthier habits? Join us on January 6th by emailing me at empowerfithc@gmail.com.