The New Year’s resolution is still an important tradition—mainly because it almost always involves something fitness-related. With a new year comes the reality that you may not feel as coordinated, energized or as fit as you’d like to be. You could be a bit stronger. You should hit a half-marathon. Losing a few pounds wouldn’t hurt.
So, you resolve to get it done in the New Year, only to find that you haven’t actually done much of anything by February, and by May, you don’t even remember the goals you originally set. So here’s the real challenge: How do you create a resolution you can actually stick to—and succeed at?
Below are four steps for building resolutions that are as close to foolproof as it gets.
Step 1: Get Crystal Clear About What You Want to Achieve This Year
It’s not enough to say “Oh, I want to lose weight,” or “Oh, I want to look like [insert celeb].” You have to outline exactly what you want. A stronger or leaner physique? More energy? More flexibility? A faster running pace? Finally being able to deadlift your body weight? Whatever you want, define it clearly. What will it look like? What will it require? What will it feel like? You can’t hit a target you haven’t clearly drawn.
Step 2: Map What Your Route to Success Looks Like
If you want to lose 30 pounds and you’ve never even set foot in a gym before, you’re going to need to begin by making space in your busy schedule and mind for some major life changes. You’ll need to carve out time and space to work out. You’ll need to incorporate healthier options into your diet. This year, you have more tools than ever: think hybrid work schedules that allow flexible workout times and your favorite AI as a daily personal trainer, nutritionist and motivator. Whatever you choose to do, map out what must happen for you to get as close as possible to your goal. Then map out what must happen for that first step to succeed. In other words, plan thoroughly.
Step 3: Realize That You’re in the Midst of Creating and Changing Habits
You’re incorporating more fitness-focused activities in your life in ways that weren’t there before—that’s great! But life still happens: work deadlines, family responsibilities, travel, stress, unexpected events. In 2026, everyone will be juggling packed schedules and digital overload; detours will occur.
The first time life throws you off, take the “L” and keep moving. After that, build your backup plans. Create plans B, C, D… and Q if needed. That could mean setting aside time in the morning to work out before you start your day and get bogged down. Or pre-plan and prep your meals on Sunday for the days ahead, so you always have healthy meal options on hand.
Because life can throw so many curveballs, it’s easy to believe that any attempt to change is futile and go back to what’s comforting. By anticipating those curveballs, you have an alternative at the ready to get back on track.
Step 4: Be Patient with Yourself
February rolls around, and you’ve quit again simply because you didn’t have a perfect journey. This year, accept that no journey is perfect. Give yourself grace, follow your plan and account for potential curveballs to stay on track. You will fail some days, but failure isn’t enough to justify you throwing in the towel. Keep at it — your body will thank you for it!
Oh, and your New Year’s Eve hangover? Drink water. Lots of water. You’re welcome.
Erika Nicole Kendall is the writer behind the award-winning blog, A Black Girl’s Guide to Weight Loss, where she chronicles her journey of going from 330-pound couch potato to certified personal trainer, nutritionist and all-around fitness dynamo. Ask her your health and fitness-related questions on X at @evilfitnessbarbie.