12-31-2025 8:32pm

Tips to Make New Year’s Resolutions Stick

Beth Callahan Editor

Photo via Pexels.com

LEBANON, OH -- As the new year beckons, many people take time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. While resolutions are a popular tradition, research shows that fewer than 20 percent of people keep them, and most abandon their goals by the end of January. Mercy Health’s Lebanon Primary Care is sharing practical strategies to help individuals make resolutions that last well beyond the first month of the year.

“New Year’s resolutions can be an opportunity for positive change, but success often depends on how you set and approach your goals,” said Joseph Kerchner, DO. “By planning carefully and starting small, people can create habits that stick.”

Tips for Keeping Your Resolution:

Choose a new resolution: Avoid repeating past goals that may carry feelings of failure.
Be specific: Concrete goals like “walk 30 minutes five days a week” are easier to achieve than vague ones.
Create a plan: Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps.
Write it down: Documenting your resolution makes it feel more permanent and helps with accountability.
Start small: Begin with achievable steps before tackling larger challenges.
Reward progress: Celebrate milestones to stay motivated.
Seek support: Friends, family, or a trusted mental health provider can provide encouragement and accountability.

Many people find the S.M.A.R.T. goal framework helpful. S.M.A.R.T. goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. For example, “read one new book per month” meets all these criteria.

For health-related resolutions, Mercy Health recommends consulting your primary care provider first to ensure goals are safe and tailored to your individual needs.

To learn more about primary care services at Mercy Health, visit mercy.com