This morning, like any other working day, I headed to the gym. It’s part of my routine now—a habit I’ve built over years. But today, things were different.
As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed it was unusually busy. Hundreds of cars packed into every available space, and inside, the energy was electric. The gym was full of people, all working hard, setting the tone for their year ahead.
It was inspiring to see. But as I hopped onto my usual machine, a thought crossed my mind: How many of these folks will still be here in February?
It’s not a dig—it’s a reality I’ve seen play out time and again. Many of these people are here because they’ve set New Year’s resolutions. They’re motivated now, and that’s wonderful. But motivation is fleeting. If they don’t build habits around their goals, chances are they’ll fall back into old patterns.
That thought got me reflecting on my own journey—not just with fitness, but with life. Every meaningful change I’ve made has stuck because I focused on habits, not just motivation. And that’s what this blog post is really about: building habits that help you keep any resolution, no matter what it is.
Why Habits Matter
Whether your goal is to exercise more, learn a new skill, save money, improve your relationships, break long-standing psychological patterns, or grow in your career, habits are the foundation. Motivation might get you started, but habits keep you going when motivation fades.
For instance, many of us turn to therapy or counseling to work on our mental health, which is a crucial step. But therapy alone isn’t enough unless we also put in the daily work. Breaking old thought patterns, practicing self-compassion, or even just pausing to respond rather than react—all of this requires building habits. Therapy might give us the tools, but it’s up to us to use them consistently.
And this applies to everything in life. If you’re working on advancing your career, for example, the same principle holds true. Want a promotion? It’s not just about asking for it—it’s about building the habit of delivering consistently excellent work, seeking feedback, and taking initiative. Want to become a leader? Develop daily habits like listening actively, supporting your team, and showing up as someone others can trust and rely on.
Big goals don’t happen in a day—they happen in the small, intentional actions you take every day.
How to Build Habits for Any Goal
Here’s what I’ve learned about building habits that stick, no matter what resolution you’re working on:
- Start Small and Focused:
If your resolution feels overwhelming, break it down. Instead of “I’ll network with industry leaders,” start with “I’ll connect with one new person on LinkedIn this month.” Small wins build momentum. - Tie Habits to Existing Routines:
Want to upskill at work? Commit to reading one article or taking one course during your lunch break. Want to be more organized? Review your to-do list every morning while you have coffee. - Track the Habit, Not the Outcome:
Focus on the process, not the end result. If your goal is to grow in your career, track how often you ask for feedback or volunteer for projects—not just the promotion you’re aiming for. - Be Patient with Yourself:
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Some days, you’ll slip up, and that’s okay. The key is to keep going. Progress is far more important than perfection. - Acknowledge the Effort:
Recognize and celebrate the fact that you’re showing up. Even small efforts deserve acknowledgment because they’re part of a bigger transformation.
A New Year, or Just Another Year?
As I watched the crowd at the gym this morning, I realized that the ones who stick around won’t necessarily be the most motivated people. They’ll be the ones who build habits around their goals—habits that fit into their lives and become part of who they are.
And that’s true for any resolution. Whether you’re working on a life change, breaking a deeply ingrained pattern, or building your career, it’s the small, consistent actions that make the difference.
This year, I’m focusing on habits that align with the person I want to be—daily actions that bring me closer to my goals, whether it’s cooking more at home, strengthening relationships, practicing gratitude, or stepping up as a leader in my career.
So as you step into 2025, think about the habits you can build—not just the goals you want to achieve. Because if your habits don’t change, you will not have a new year. You will just have another year.
Here’s to small steps, steady progress, and a year of becoming who you want to be.