Some of the top New Year’s Resolutions in the United States have to do with health: Eating healthier, exercising more, and losing weight are all in the top 5. (See the full list from Statista here.) And yet, as you probably know, most of these well-meaning resolutions don’t last.
How about trying something a little different this year? Seting smaller goals with shorter timeframes can be much more effective than big resolutions.
If you set a goal for a month, a week, or even a day, you are more likely to succeed than if you’re looking at the whole year. And if you succeed, you’re more likely to continue. Isn’t that better than giving up on a big resolution before Valentine’s Day?
Small success, big motivation
Success generally does improve motivation at any age. Achieving goals and experiencing positive outcomes can significantly boost your drive to do more. This creates a positive cycle: When you succeed, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. This reinforces the behavior and makes you more likely to repeat actions that led to success.
So, as we enter 2025, start out slow select a short-term goal for yourself. Try a one-day goal, such as scheduling an appointment with your doctor or dentist. Then you can take on a weeklong goal, such as checking your current living arrangement for safety. For example, you can check the following in one room each day:
- Lighting
- Loose wiring
- Rugs that are not secure
- Stairs that may be blocked or have an unsecure railing
Now you’re on your way! You are accomplishing health and safety goals, one day at a time.