December 22nd, 2025
With the New Year approaching, many people begin thinking about resolutions they’d like to set for the year ahead. According to a Forbes Health/OnePoll survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, 62% said they feel pressured to set a New Year’s resolution. The same survey found that the average resolution lasts just 3.74 months.
The PMC Wellness Team wants to help you make resolutions that stick. Here’s a 5-step process to help you set goals you can actually achieve and maintain throughout 2026.
1. Identify some changes you would like to make in the new year - Whether they’re related to your mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual health, identifying areas for growth is a great place to start.
2. Be specific and selective with your resolutions – Sometimes we get ahead of ourselves and make too many resolutions at once. Being selective helps ensure you’re focusing on a few meaningful goals instead of a long, daunting list.
3. Create a plan and keep it small - If a resolution requires a long process or big lifestyle change, it’s easier to lose motivation. Start small with something achievable and motivating that you’ll want to stick with as part of your routine.
4. Use reminders and track your progress – Setting reminders and tracking your progress helps you stay on course, plus it’s motivating to see how far you’ve come. Try:
a. Using a resolution journal to reflect on your progress
b. A fitness or habit tracker
c. Apps or calendars to log milestones
d. Setting phone reminders to celebrate months of consistency
5. Reward yourself – Rewards help reinforce your positive progress and keep you motivated to continue. Spread rewards throughout the year so you have regular opportunities to celebrate your accomplishments.
Remember, setbacks and pauses in progress are normal. Give yourself grace, allow room for mistakes, and keep moving forward with your goals.
Here are a few ideas for attainable resolutions that you can attempt this upcoming year:
- Cook more meals at home and grocery shop regularly. Find 2–3 easy, go-to recipes you enjoy. Try to schedule a grocery shopping trip once a week to help ensure you always have what you need to cook at home.
- Move your body in ways you enjoy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement a day—whether it’s walking, dancing, yoga, or a workout you love.
- Schedule your annual health and dental visits. Book your appointments early in the year while schedules are more open.
- Be present and mindful. Put down your phone more often, notice your surroundings, and listen closely when connecting with others.
These tips can be applied to any resolution you’re hoping to tackle in 2026. The PMC Wellness Team hopes you take the new year head-on—and we can’t wait to see your progress!
Learn more about the PMC Wellness Team and all of the programs they offer here: https://www.pinehurstmedical.com/our-services/wellness-clinic
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