new years

There’s something magical about January 1st. A clean slate. A fresh chapter. A moment where the entire world seems to pause and say, “Try again. You’ve got this.”

But as inspiring as the New Year feels, the challenge comes later — in the quiet, ordinary months where temptation, routine, and life pull us back into old patterns.

So how do you turn a once-a-year promise into a year-long practice? Surprisingly, it’s less about motivation and more about strategy, self-honesty, and the willingness to adapt.

Let’s break it down into simple, doable steps! 

Start With Realistic Confidence 

Belief in yourself matters. But the idea that sheer willpower will carry you through an entire year? That’s where many resolutions collapse.

Confidence helps you get started, but too much confidence can make you underestimate the challenges ahead. 

Instead of assuming you’ll “just do it,” set yourself up with structure, reminders, and support. Keeping your confidence realistic ensures you stay motivated without feeling defeated when things get tough.

Expect Slip-Ups and Prepare a Reset Plan

Imperfection is part of the process.
One of the biggest reasons resolutions fade is because people treat any slip as a failure. But expecting yourself to never miss a workout or never indulge is unrealistic. 

Build a “bounce-back strategy” before the year begins. Decide what you’ll do the first time you slip — maybe restart within 24 hours, take one small corrective action, or lean on an accountability partner. A lapse doesn’t derail your progress unless you let it.

Reduce Temptations Before They Overwhelm You

Temptations seem quiet now, but once you’re trying to make a change, they get loud. That couch will feel cozier, that dessert more irresistible, that old habit more familiar. 

Instead of fighting constant temptation, outsmart it. Pack lunches to avoid unhealthy food options, keep gym clothes in the car, remove triggers from your home, or change your routine to avoid old habits. Making your environment support your goals makes change easier.

Focus on Recovery, Not Perfection

Success comes from how quickly you get back on track.
Even the most disciplined people slip — what sets them apart is how fast they recover. If you binge one night, smoke one cigarette, or skip a week of workouts, don’t spiral. 

Reset early. Shortening the gap between the slip and the restart is what builds lifelong habits.

Final Thoughts 

Resolutions aren’t about proving perfection — they’re about showing up for yourself again and again, even when it’s inconvenient, unglamorous, or messy. 

This year, give yourself permission to be human, flexible, and resilient.
And remember, your resolutions don’t need perfection – they need commitment, compassion, and a willingness to try again.

And that’s something you can carry far beyond the new year.

It all feels rushed looking forward to all the plans to make the goals I’m told to set. So instead I decide to take a breath and stop to acknowledge what I’m leaving behind.

One of my favorite ways to start the morning is by sitting outside on my balcony with my dog, Miso. When I can manage it (because I am definitely a night owl), I like to wake up a bit earlier and revel in the peace that comes with the morning time. 

I like to sit and listen to the wind, the birds, the airplanes flying by, and really anything that helps me take in the moment. I find this is a great time for reflection, whether it’s about the day ahead, the previous day, or any thoughts coming up for me that morning. 

A few mornings ago while I was sitting outside with Miso, I witnessed a fellow dog owner walking their dog and incorporating some training. If you’re familiar with reactive dogs, you might know that early mornings are a good time to practice training outside to help your dog get used to outdoor environments while others are not around.

I felt very lucky in this moment to witness the love and care that this person was showing to their dog, and it reminded me of the times that it was me in that position. When I adopted Miso, he struggled with fear-based reactivity, which showed up in his fear of noises and other people. Watching this person in the early stages of training reminded me of all the stops and starts that Miso and I had and how far we’ve come. 

I started thinking about how he used to not trust other people and how now he says hello to strangers and expects to be petted. We have done so much work and training together and while Miso still has his moments, he has grown in many ways. In the early stages of training, I would look forward to the time when he would be able to meet another person without growling or being scared. I don’t think I can appreciate that we are indeed at that point (yay!), without also acknowledging all that we’ve worked on this year. 

Sometimes we cannot fully see forward until we take a moment to stop and look backward. With the start of the new year, it can feel overwhelming and daunting to think about change, goals, and intentions to set, especially when we hear the phrases “new year, new me” and “what are your new year’s resolutions?” 

But it might be worth thinking about the fact that maybe the start of looking forward begins with looking backwards. If you were to slow down and look back at this past year, what would come up for you? In what ways have you changed, grown, and been shaped? 

What would you like to leave in the past year? Are there things that you’ve learned that you want to take with you? 

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the new year, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself and to take a moment to stop and look back because that might be the clearest way for you to see forward.

Tired of setting New Year’s resolutions that don’t stick? In 2025, try a different approach—one that focuses on preparing for opportunities you don’t yet know exist. Inspired by Happenstance Theory, these resolutions aren’t about rigid goals, but about opening yourself up to growth and unexpected success. Here are six resolutions that will help you embrace the unknown and make the most of life’s hidden opportunities.

Embrace Uncertainty

Instead of fearing the unknown, lean into it. The most exciting opportunities often arise when you step outside your comfort zone. Resolve to be more open to new experiences and embrace uncertainty as an avenue for growth.

Stay Curious

Curiosity drives discovery. Make it a goal to ask more questions, explore new ideas, and push yourself to learn. This mindset will open doors to opportunities you might have missed otherwise.

Beat Self-Doubt

Overcome negative thoughts by believing in your potential. Confidence builds with action—so even if you’re unsure, push forward. You’ll find opportunities you never thought possible.

Build Real Connections

It’s not about how many followers you have; it’s about the quality of your relationships. Focus on building meaningful, supportive connections that can offer new opportunities and guidance.

Stay Flexible

Adaptability is key to thriving in a constantly changing world. Stay protean—like the Greek god Proteus—and be ready to adjust your approach when new opportunities come knocking.

Be Tenacious

Failure is part of the journey. Make it your resolution to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. Resilience is what leads to long-term success.

Ready for 2025?

This New Year, ditch traditional resolutions and resolve to be open to whatever comes your way. By preparing for unexpected opportunities, you’ll create your own luck and set yourself up for success in 2025 and beyond.