How to Make Resolutions Stick: 5 Practical Steps

Today is January 7—the big moment has come and gone. We cheered, we laughed, we hugged, and then BAM—we welcomed ourselves into the New Year. The sky lit up with fireworks, glasses clinked in celebration, and the hum of hope was almost tangible in the air. At the stroke of midnight, we stepped out of our personal "time machine" and landed in 2025. And now what?

Last year, in 2024, I announced to my friends and family that I wouldn’t get out of the time machine until I had decided what baggage I was carrying and where I was landing. Everyone took it as a joke, but for me, it was a serious and intentional approach. I told them, "No, dear friends, this year I need to step into a new chapter of my life—truly and fully."

Because here’s the thing: living 60 new years without meaningful change is like rereading the same chapter over and over. Instead of repeating the same old patterns, we must ask ourselves: What do our New Year’s resolutions mean? Are they simply fleeting wishes that get lost between the chaos of holiday celebrations, the excitement of choosing the perfect outfit, and the sparkle of champagne glasses clinking at midnight?

Let’s pause and think: What are we carrying with us? New Year’s resolutions aren’t just lists we make—they’re about the habits we choose to leave behind and the actions we commit to making our dreams a reality.

Reflect on the Past Year
Take a moment to review the past year’s experiences, achievements, and failures—but not in a way that beats yourself up. Instead, adopt a constructive mindset. Ask yourself:

• What habits helped me achieve my goals?

• What habits held me back?

Write these down. Reflection isn’t about dwelling on mistakes; it’s about clarity—deciding what to pack in your luggage for the journey ahead.

"We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience." —John Dewey

Personal Tip: Last year, I realized that starting my mornings with a quiet reflection over coffee helped me stay centered. On the flip side, I noticed that skipping journaling on busy days made me more prone to overthinking. This simple observation helped me commit to just 10 minutes of reflection each morning.

1. Break Down Your Goals into Small Steps
   Between your dreams and your achievements are 365 days. Big goals often fail when they’re not paired with small, manageable steps. Imagine you want to become an athlete. You can’t win marathons without training, right? The same principle applies to any goal.

• Want a healthier lifestyle? Start by making small dietary changes.

• Want to grow your business? Dedicate 30 minutes each day to focused strategy or content creation.

Remember, progress happens one small step at a time.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." —Lao Tzu

1. Identify the Habits You Want to Let Go Of
   Resolutions aren’t just about adding new habits; they’re also about letting go of old ones that no longer serve you. Take time to pinpoint which behaviors or thoughts need to stay in the past.

• Are you carrying negative self-talk?

• Do you procrastinate when tasks feel overwhelming?

Replace these habits with empowering actions. For example, swap scrolling on your phone during stressful moments with 10 minutes of mindful breathing or a quick walk.

"You are not stuck where you are unless you decide to be." —Wayne Dyer

1. Visualize Your Future Self
   Close your eyes and picture yourself one year from now. Who do you see? What habits define this future version of you? Visualization isn’t just daydreaming—it helps train your mind to recognize and align with what you’re striving for.

• Create a vision board or write a letter to your future self.

• Keep these visual reminders somewhere you’ll see them daily.

Personal Practice: I keep a small note on my desk that says, “What would your future self thank you for today?” It’s a simple but effective way to stay aligned.

Neuroscience shows that visualizing success can rewire your brain to create new neural pathways that support positive action.

1. Celebrate Small Wins
   Don’t wait until you reach the "finish line" to celebrate. Recognize and reward yourself for small victories along the way. Did you complete your first week of sticking to your routine? Treat yourself to something uplifting: a cozy evening with a good book, a favorite dessert, or a guilt-free Netflix session.

Acknowledging progress keeps you motivated and builds momentum.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." —Robert Collier

A Final Thought: Be Kind to Yourself

New Year’s resolutions are not about perfection—they’re about growth. If you stumble, don’t give up. Life is not a straight path but a journey with twists and turns. What matters most is how you get back on track.

This year, as you step out of your time machine, ask yourself: Am I living with intention? Instead of rushing into the next year unchanged, take time to construct a life you truly love—one thoughtful step at a time.

What small step will you take today? Share your thoughts or resolutions below—I’d love to hear your story.

Happy New Year, and here’s to a year of meaningful progress!