Monday, January 26, 2026
“This is going to be the year that I….”
We’ve all said it.
Many of us start the new year on a high—motivated, energized, and telling anyone who will listen that nothing will get in our way this time. Then life happens, and we fall off the proverbial wagon.
A recent YouGov poll found that exercising more is the most common New Year's resolution for 2026, but only 39% of respondents say it's likely they'll keep their resolution throughout 2026.
So why do we keep making New Year’s resolutions?
The beginning of a new year offers a strong sense of a fresh start. It brings renewed motivation, an opportunity to reset, and a chance to refocus on personal growth, health, and purpose. But why do so many people lose momentum before the year ends?
The answer is simple: lack of planning and true purpose.
First and foremost: Name your “why”
Make sure your goal aligns with your values and what truly matters to you. If you don’t have a clear and meaningful reason to reach your goal, you’ll likely find a clear and meaningful reason not to.
Make it SMART and habit-forming
Goal-setting research shows that writing down goals and creating a plan increases the likelihood of success. Start by making your goals SMART:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound
SMART goals help turn intentions into habits. It also helps to focus on approach-oriented (positive) goals rather than avoidance-oriented (negative) ones. For example, setting a goal to “eat one fruit and one vegetable with each meal” is often more effective and motivating than “not eating junk food.”
Let’s set an approach-oriented SMART goal together
My New Year’s resolution: I will end the year stronger than I started.
An avoidance-oriented approach might be: “I won’t get hurt this year.”
Here is how the SMART version looks:
Specific – What? I will strength train at least three times per week because my body feels better when I strength train and I want to set an example of an active lifestyle for my son.
Measurable – How? I will track my workouts throughout the year, noting progress and perceived effort.
Attainable – Is it realistic? I currently work out two days per week. Based on my schedule, adding one additional day feels achievable.
Relevant – Does it align with my values? I value being strong and capable, and I know from experience that consistent training improves how I feel.
Time-Bound – When? I will use the last week of January to establish a baseline and begin training three times per week on February 1. I will reassess weekly, because with this goal, every week is a new opportunity for success. I will check in monthly to stay focused and motivated.
Are New Year’s resolutions worth the hype?
Absolutely, if you’re willing to take the time to make them personal, purposeful, and realistic.
If you’re wondering whether your resolution will last, write it down. Make sure it aligns with your “why.” Make it SMART. And schedule regular check-ins with yourself throughout the year.
Maybe this will be the year you take the next step, physically, emotionally, or financially. And if you need support along the way, your fitness center team is here to help.