We’re only three weeks into the new year, but have you noticed the gym is already a little less crowded? Our well-intentioned resolutions often start slipping away as we fall back into familiar habits. Even sharing our goals with others—hoping for accountability—does little to keep us on track.
Should this surprise us? After all, 92% of New Year’s resolutions fail. We stay rooted in the comfort of our routines, even as we feel a pang of disappointment. Just a month ago, we were brimming with determination, telling ourselves, “This year will be different!” The lack of instant results is discouraging.
Change isn’t easy — if it were, the gym would still be full. True transformation requires time, effort, and a lot of help. But maybe the issue isn’t your willpower or dedication. Maybe the problem is the resolutions themselves.
Instead of setting another ambitious goal destined to fade, why not try something simpler — something that can truly transform your mindset over time? Here are a few ideas:
1. Appreciate What You Already Have
Gratitude is a powerful practice. A friend of mine writes down one thing she’s grateful for at the end of each day. It doesn’t have to be profound — perhaps something that made her smile. Over time, these daily reflections can shift your perspective and help you find joy in the ordinary.
2. Be Vulnerable Through Compliments
Make it a habit to sincerely compliment someone every day: a stranger with striking blue nails, a young mother calming a fussy baby, a close friend you’ve been meaning to thank. Compliments require vulnerability — you’re speaking your mind and spreading positivity in a world that can feel guarded.
3. Reconnect With People
Take a break from social media. Post a sign (even if just for yourself): “No Texts This Week.” Instead, pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. No agenda, no expectations — just ask how they’re really doing. These genuine moments of connection can be profoundly rewarding.
4. Talk to Someone New Every Day
Every stranger has a story, a perspective, and wisdom from their life experiences. Say hello to someone new each day. Whether it’s the person next to you in line or someone you pass during your morning walk, you might be surprised by what you learn—or the connections you form.
Small Changes, Big Impact
It’s not always the monumental resolutions that change our lives, it may be the small, consistent actions that lead to meaningful transformation. There’s magic in the little things—practices that help us grow, connect, and see the world in new ways.
So, what will you do next?
The road is easier together,
Linda Laitala, President
Raven Performance Group