New year, new you? Experts reveal how to make 2025 resolutions work

As the new year kicks in, so does the time to hit that reset button and transform into the best version of yourself. Experts share how to make New Year’s resolutions stick.

While the mantra “new year, new me” sounds inspirational, the truth is most people lose their momentum too soon. 

Experts have pointed out that making New Year’s resolutions work is not about being perfect but applying the right strategy.

Here’s the roadmap for self-improvement this new year, according to psychologist Dr. Katherine L. Stone and psychological performance and mental toughness coach Stevie Siebold.

Dr. Stone says resolutions can provide motivation, and help us become more intentional and productive. https://t.co/OmX2hAZEAh

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Tips to make your New Year’s resolutions work

Set realistic and specific goals

“Setting specific, small goals leads to more success than making broad goals. So, I am 55 and if I set a goal of, ‘I want to improve my health this year,’ that is so broad, that it’s not likely I would make much of a change, but if I said I want to decrease my cholesterol, then I could set a small goal that had to do with nutrition and one that had to do with exercise,” Stone tells WKYT News.

Start with a small but target-focused goal. Instead of saying “I’ll be healthy,” try “I’ll reduce fat by dieting and exercising three times a week,” she says.

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Limit your focus

Overwhelming yourself with big plans is a recipe for burnout. Dr. Stone advises focusing on “one or two goals” to achieve meaningful progress.

Verbalize and share your goals with someone

Accountability is essential. Sharing your New Year’s resolutions with a supportive partner or friend who’s also working on their own goals is better. 

“Having an accountability partner or someone in it with you can really help, not someone that’s gonna fuss at you or is punitive, but someone that will check in,” Dr. Stone shares.

Stevie Siebold also emphasizes the importance of a support buddy. Not having a proper support system is one of the biggest hurdles. “Go after your goals with a partner who really makes you push yourself,” he advises.

Embrace imperfection

Dr. Stone suggests striving to accomplish at least 80 percent of your goals. Perfectionism can result in disappointment, so go for consistent progress instead.

Expect obstacles

New Year’s resolutions aren’t fail-proof. Siebold suggests implementing a champ’s mindset, “It’s not about winning, but wanting to win that counts. Winners have a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude,” he says.

Despite any challenges that come along with any goals, having resolutions is a powerful tool for growth. 

Dr. Stone emphasizes they’re helpful for people with ADHD or those struggling with impulsivity, as they provide structure and motivation, inspiring productivity and intentionality.

For those still unsure where to start, Dr. Stone advises, “This is a good time of year to sit down and think about what you want to achieve. Setting small, specific goals can make a big difference.”