Practical ways to turn 2026 resolutions into reality

By: Foyinkemi Olalere

If you squint hard enough, you may be able to see the distant horizon of the year 2026. Past the Christmas carols, incredible food, and brilliant lights, January can seem both light years away and impossibly close. 

Some may remember the resolutions they made in January 2025. According to research, only about 9% of those who made resolutions actually kept them. After so many years of making and failing to keep one’s resolutions, it can feel like they’re useless. Why attempt to commit myself to a promise I know that I’ll fail? you may think as you scoff at hopeful Pinterest walls and vision boards covered with magazine cut-outs. 

And truthfully, the sentiment is easy to understand.

​However, the impact of New Years’ resolutions extends beyond idealistic dreams. 

​Dr. Jeremy Sutton, an experienced psychologist, explains that setting goals, even ones that will ultimately fail, creates intrinsic motivation (the fulfillment that humans feel whenever they complete a task for its personal fulfillment), which is separate from external rewards like money or praise. This is important for humans to have because it heightens self-motivation and bolsters positive feelings in oneself, increasing autonomy and determination. 

Still unconvinced? 

That’s understandable, because most people don’t understand how to set goals. Scribbling be healthier, get a girlfriend/boyfriend, or work out in a journal is unfortunately not a productive way to set goals. In the same way that the goal is vague and uninspiring, the work that will later be put towards it will likely mirror its inspiration. 

To set inspiring, motivational goals, follow the SMART formula (yes, the one from Health class). Good goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. If your goal can’t meet all these requirements, it’s probably time to re-evaluate. With this formula, the bare bones statements turn to full goals. 

Be healthier turns to Eat whole foods with lots of fiber and protein for 6 weeks. 

Work out turns to Go to the gym at least twice a week for the rest of hockey season.

And get a girlfriend/boyfriend turns to adopt a dog from an animal shelter within the next 6 months.

After all, setting healthy goals means understanding which goals are practical, and which ones aren’t. 

The new year is a fresh start, yes, but it’s not a clean slate. Unfortunately, there’s no “reset character” button on life, and there are no cheat codes either. It’s not possible to up, down, up, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start to skip a hard level or earn a powerup. However, every day that you wake up is a new chance to become a person that you can be proud of. You don’t have to reinvent yourself this new year, but if you do, know that the most important part of a resolution is the person who makes it.

Happy New Year!