New Year, New You?
New Year, New You?
Let’s be honest: by January 15th, most New Year’s resolutions are buried in the backyard. That kale smoothie you thought you’d drink every morning tasted like cow’s toes and you’re never drinking it again. We start the year with Marathon Runner energy and end the 1st month hiding from our running shoes because they’re making us feel guilty.
But it doesn’t have to be a cycle of shame! If you want to actually crush your goals in 2026 without losing your mind, here is how to do it the right way.
1. Stop Trying to Be a Superhero
You won’t achieve anything without pushing outside of your comfort zone. But be very realistic about what that actually is, and then edge out of it one step at a time. We’d all love a marathon finish photo to show off on the socials but if you try to go from 1km to 20km overnight you’ll end up injured, and disillusioned.
The Fix: Set manageable goals at first. Pick that low hanging fruit to build some confidence. Never ran 1km or 5km before? First aim for that distance with a mixture of walking and running. Do that 2 or 3 times per week and one day soon you’ll hit a good day and smash the full distance with no stops. Then it’s time to expand on your goals – move them a step closer to your ultimate target. Small wins build momentum; and very quickly they add up to big wins.
2. Make it Personal (Not Performance Art)
Don’t set a goal just because your cousin’s best friend is doing a 30-day juice cleanse.
If you are struggling to control your eating after the usual Christmas excesses then eating nothing for a month is definitely NOT THE ANSWER.
Hate running? Then running isn’t the new years resolution for you. There are endless better options than running for most people looking to lose weight and build strength.
Pick something which you will, at least partially, enjoy! While it doesn’t have to be fun every time, it certainly helps, it shouldn’t be a form of self-torture!
If you are struggling to get started on your own then make it something with a social element like joining a group or a class, or signing up for an event with a friend. That companionship, and more importantly accountability, will help a lot. Accountability is the key here. If it is a solo pursuit that you know little about, then hire a coach to get you started and bypass the beginner mistakes that 99% of people make in the first few months, your progress will shock you.
3. Be Specific
“I want to be healthy” is a wish, not a plan. It’s too vague.
Vague: “I’ll go to the gym more.”
Specific: “I will go to the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and stay for at least 45 minutes before I bailout”
Write down your long-term goal, break it down into medium and short term goals. Plan your weeks accordingly. Next thing you know that long term goal is on the horizon.
4. Embrace the “Oops”
You’re going to have bad days. You’re going to eat the donut. You’re going to skip the workout because you couldn’t get your arse up and out of the door in time.
When it happens, don’t throw the whole resolution in the bin. You wouldn’t smash your phone just because you dropped it once. Dust yourself off, trust that setbacks are part of the process, and try again tomorrow
Try an Online Coach
Whatever your level, whatever your goals, from improving body composition, to competing in events, or if you simply want some consistency with training and nutrition, an experienced online coach can help to guide you to the results you want. A clear plan. A clear set of priorities. Someone to check your progress and adapt the plan accordingly. Someone to keep you accountable when motivation dips.
If you’re looking to start 2026 the right way I’ve put together a free eBook detailing 5 bulletproof habits to get you back on track without it taking over your life → Download it here
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2026!
