Happy New Year! As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many of us feel a surge of excitement and determination. It’s a fresh start, a clean slate, and a chance to set new goals for the year ahead. Whether it’s losing weight, getting fit, saving money, or learning a new skill, resolutions give us something to strive for. But let’s be honest: how often do those resolutions stick? By February, many of them are distant memories. So why does this happen, and how can we approach our goals differently this year?
The answer lies in how we view the process. Too often, we focus solely on the destination—the end result we’re hoping to achieve. We picture the number on the scale, the miles we’ll run, or the milestone we’ll hit. While having a clear goal is important, true sustainability comes when we learn to enjoy the journey—the small, daily steps it takes to get there. If we can shift our mindset to embrace the process, the journey itself becomes rewarding.
Take fitness goals, for example. Many people set a resolution to "lose 20 pounds" or "run a marathon," but they dread the workouts or restrictive diets they believe are necessary to get there. Instead, what if we focused on finding joy in movement? What if we celebrated the energy boost from a brisk walk, the community created through a group fitness class, or the mental clarity after a good sweat session? When we connect our daily actions to something we enjoy, we’re far more likely to stick with them.
Another key to sustainability is giving yourself grace. Progress is rarely linear, and setbacks are part of the process. Instead of throwing in the towel when things don’t go perfectly, view those moments as opportunities to learn and grow. Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
As we step into 2025, let’s reframe how we approach resolutions. Instead of fixating on the outcome, let’s commit to finding joy in the process. Let’s celebrate the small wins and embrace the lessons along the way. When we learn to enjoy the work it takes to reach our goals, we set ourselves up for long-term success—and we might just discover that the journey is the best part.
If you’re ready to kick off the new year with a focus on sustainable habits, join me for my upcoming Step Into Healthy Habits Challenge starting January 6th. Email me at empowerfithc@gmail.com for more details. Together, we’ll build small, meaningful habits that lead to big results—and have fun along the way. Here’s to a year of growth, joy, and embracing the journey!