Want to Make Your Resolutions Stick? Here Are Some Tips
by Johnny Kincaid December 31, 2024
As the calendar turns to 2025, many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions—those promises we make to ourselves to improve, grow, and achieve something meaningful in the months ahead. Whether you’re someone who writes out a detailed list or just keeps a few goals in mind, the start of a new year feels like the perfect time to hit the reset button and focus on what matters most.
New Year’s resolutions can be as varied as the people who make them. Some of us want to get healthier, whether that means eating better, exercising more, or taking time for mental health. Others might focus on relationships, making an effort to spend more time with loved ones, or being kinder and more patient. Career goals, personal development, and even spiritual growth often make the list, too.
But let’s be honest: sticking to resolutions isn’t always easy. Life gets busy, old habits creep back, and by February, many of those well-intentioned goals have fallen by the wayside. So how can we make resolutions that truly stick and make a difference in our lives?
First, it helps to set realistic and specific goals. Instead of saying, “I’m going to get healthy this year,” try something more concrete like, “I’ll go for a 30-minute walk three times a week” or “I’ll add one extra serving of vegetables to my meals each day.” Breaking your goals into small, actionable steps makes them more achievable and gives you a sense of progress along the way.
Second, write your resolutions down. There’s something powerful about putting your goals on paper. It makes them feel more real and gives you a point of reference to come back to. You can even post them somewhere visible—on your fridge, your mirror, or your phone—as a daily reminder.
Accountability is another key to success. Share your resolutions with a friend, family member, or coworker who can cheer you on and help keep you on track. Better yet, find a resolution buddy who has similar goals and work on them together. Whether it’s a workout partner, a book club, or someone to swap recipes with, having support makes the journey more enjoyable and less daunting.
Another tip is to focus on progress, not perfection. Nobody’s perfect, and there will be days when you fall short. The important thing is to keep going and not let a slip-up derail your entire resolution. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and remember that every step forward counts.
As we think about our own resolutions, it’s also a great time to consider how we can make a positive impact on our community. What if one of your goals this year was to volunteer, support a local charity, or simply be a better neighbor? Small acts of kindness—like checking in on someone who’s lonely, picking up litter in your neighborhood, or donating to a food bank—can create ripples of good that extend far beyond yourself.
For those of us who value our faith, New Year’s resolutions can also be an opportunity to grow spiritually. Maybe you want to spend more time in prayer, read through the Bible, or get involved in a church group. Resolutions like these not only strengthen your relationship with God but also equip you to be a light to those around you.
Finally, let’s remember to be kind to ourselves as we embark on this journey. Resolutions aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress and intention. It’s okay to revise your goals if they’re not working for you, and it’s okay to take a break when you need one. The important thing is to keep moving forward and to celebrate the effort you’re making to grow and improve.
As we welcome 2025, let’s embrace this fresh start with hope, determination, and a commitment to making the most of the year ahead. Whether your resolutions are big or small, personal or community-focused, may this be a year of growth, connection, and meaningful change for all of us. Happy New Year!
