We've all been there. The ambitious New Year's resolutions. The confident declarations. The… never mentioning them again by mid-January.
Making real change is messy. There are setbacks, detours, and the occasional "what was I thinking?" moment. The key isn't avoiding the fall – it's getting back up, figuring out what tripped you, and adjusting.
Here's how to make this year different:
1. Pick three goals. Just three. Not fifteen (you'll burn out). Not one impossible mountain (you'll give up). Three is the sweet spot between ambition and reality.
2. Get specific and set deadlines. Vague doesn't work. "Get in shape" becomes another forgotten promise. "Have the endurance and agility to play Duck Duck Goose with my Grandkids by our family 4th July picnic" – now we're talking. Put actual dates in your calendar. Make it real: one short-term goal (1-3 months), one medium (3-6 months), one longer (6-12 months).
3. Choose goals YOU actually want. Not what you should do. Not what your partner, second cousin once removed, or guilty conscience says. What brings you genuine joy. Running because you love it? Perfect. Running because of high cholesterol? That's pressure, not pleasure. Start with intrinsic motivation – do it because you genuinely want to – and you'll build the confidence to tackle tougher challenges later.
Here are my three for 2026:
Get back into kickboxing in the next 6-8 weeks (I miss feeling like a slightly less coordinated Jean-Claude Van Damme 🥊)
Run a 5K Spartan race by June 27th – properly prepared this time (a story for another day…)
Launch the Good Life Club platform with 100+ nutrition tips and recipes, fitness programs, wellbeing guidance, and a social community to help you live happier and healthier for longer, by September (don’t worry, you’re already invited to be a Founding Member when it launches)
Your turn. Make those resolutions and don't get discouraged at the first sign of difficulty. Share them with people, don’t just leave them to languish in your head. Make them real – and be kind to yourself.
And most of all, keep living the good life.
– Sasha
Full Disclosure: I'm writing this as myself, not as a doctor or your personal trainer. This content is purely educational or my personal thoughts - not in place of medical or health professional advice or treatment. While I’m a Certified Personal Trainer, I’m not a healthcare provider. Seek advice from your health care practitioner before starting physical activity or making serious changes to your health. If you experience any pain or discomfort when participating in the activities, immediately stop and reach out to your health care professional. Please use at your own risk and proceed with caution.