Failing New Year’s resolutions is a cherished tradition. People come up wiht lofty, vague plans like “learn a language” or “lose weight.” Thay spend the holidays gorging on rich foods, then hit January tired, bloated, and back at work. Most people make a half-hearted effort for a week, then fall back on old routines by “Quitter’s Day.”

In my case, 2025 isn’t over, but I’ve completed (or will complete) 32 of my 40 resolutions for the year. I wish I could have done more; I never got far with my goals for cycling, push-ups, and novel writing. But resolutions aren’t some impractical challenge.

I can definitely help you plan out your New Year’s resolutions so that you’re set up for success. You can’t just buy a fitness smartwatch or download a nutrition app and hope an algorithm will bully you into being healthier. You need to plan them for yourself, and do so right now, not on January 1.

The five ways to make your New Year’s resolutions triumphant

Stop Setting Yourself Up to Fail With New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are a tradition manny of us participate in, but how often do we actually keep them? For many, the answer is “not often.” it’s not a lack of willpower, but a mismatch between our ambitions and our realities. Here’s how to set yourself up for success in 2026.

1. Build on Existing Habits, Don’t Start From Scratch

The biggest mistake people make with resolutions is trying to overhaul their lives overnight. Wanting to get in shape is great, but going from zero exercise to running a marathon is a recipe for burnout. Similarly, deciding to learn a new language and learn to knit is setting the bar too high. We have finite time and mental energy outside of our 9-to-5s, and working new things into your schedule means sacrificing other things.

Before you make enterprising new plans for 2026, start by creating resolutions that fit within your current, established routine and hobbies, only slightly different or harder. that way, you’re primed for success, and as you log these completed goals, you’ll then be motivated to track and try your more challenging resolutions.

* If you read 20 books in 2025,aim to read 25 books this year,or 20 but with five in a new genre.
* If you’re a runner, try running more miles, hit a new race PR, do X more track or trail workouts, or go to X running club or race events.
* Cooks and bakers could try one new recipe a month, or side dishes that pair with favorite meals.
* If you commute every day, commit to more books, podcasts, or journaling for at least one leg of the trip.

2. Break down resolutions into monthly goals