Happy New Year! I hope the holiday season was good to you; I spent mine with family and friends, unwinding and preparing for 2025…which brings me to the topic hot on everyone’s lips each January.
Resolutions.
The start of a new year is always exciting—a clean slate, fresh goals, and the motivation to become the best version of yourself. But with that excitement often comes a lot of pressure. Many of us dive headfirst into the new year, new me mindset, trying to change everything overnight: eating perfectly, hitting the gym daily, waking up at 5 AM, starting a side hustle… you name it.
But here’s the thing: real, lasting change doesn’t happen all at once. Studies (and life experience) show that the people who try to do everything perfectly from day one are often the ones who burn out by February.
If that’s been you in the past, you’re not alone—and this year can be different.
The key to real transformation? Start small and build momentum over time.
Why Habit Stacking Works
When you focus on one small, achievable habit at a time, you build confidence with each success. These small wins are like stepping stones, guiding you toward the bigger changes you’re aiming for. Over time, these habits stack up and create a powerful ripple effect.
For example:
Week 1: Drink one more glass of water each day. Hydration helps with energy, focus, and even digestion—an easy win for your health.
Week 2: Add 1,000 extra steps to your day. You don’t need a fancy workout plan to move your body; just walking more can work wonders. And adding something like a weighted vest, can mean even more benefits without being overwhelmed. This is the weighted vest I wear (US / Canada)
Week 3: Spend 10 minutes journaling, stretching, or meditating. This can lower stress and improve focus, setting the tone for your day.
Week 4: Replace one processed snack with a healthier option. Small tweaks like this can snowball into better food choices overall.
The Long Game
When you take it step by step, you build habits that stick. These become part of your lifestyle—not just a January resolution. By the time February or March rolls around, you’ll already have a solid foundation to build on, instead of feeling defeated by unrealistic expectations.
A Mindset Shift: Progress Over Perfection
It’s also important to remember that nobody gets it “right” all the time. You’ll have days when things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay! Instead of beating yourself up, focus on the progress you’ve made so far. The goal is to keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps may seem.
Actionable Tips to Stay on Track
Track Your Wins: Use a journal or an app to celebrate each small success. Seeing your progress is incredibly motivating.
Find Your Why: Tie each habit to a meaningful goal. For example, “I’m drinking more water to have clearer skin and more energy.”
Buddy Up: Share your goals with a friend or join a community for accountability and support.
Be Kind to Yourself: Growth is a process, and self-compassion makes it sustainable.
This year, let’s ditch the all-or-nothing mentality. Focus on one thing at a time, stack those habits, and give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. You’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come by this time next year.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, and sustainable 2025; I look so forward to being a part of your journey!
You’ve got this,
xoxoBianca
One foot in front of the other,eh? There's some projects I'd like to begin but it's taking those first steps. I'm not strictly referring to physical fitness of which I'm also working to maintain and improve.
This is just what I need to get on track for a healthy new year. Thank you!