RESOLVE to choose progress, not perfection in 2026

A few years ago, my new year’s resolutions would read like a laundry list of things about myself that needed changing. Weight, hair color, exercise, attitude, relationships – I was doing everything wrong but was sure I could change it all with the flip of a page on the calendar. By the time the second page of the calendar flipped into February, most of my resolutions had been forgotten or abandoned. Sound familiar?

Fast forward to an older and wiser me in 2026, and you’ll find someone who has finally figured out the secret to New Years resolutions. The New Year isn’t a downhill ride of unhealthy and unproductive behavior until the clock strikes 12 on December 31. It isn’t a deadline; rather it is an invitation to find new purpose and renewed commitment. This is especially true as we get older and find that we don’t have to reinvent ourselves each January 1.

So what can we resolve to work on for 2026? How about trying small, meaningful changes that can make a difference in our health, happiness and independence.

Most resolutions fail because they are too ambitious, so this year, choose progress over perfection. A resolution doesn’t have to be life-changing, it just needs to add value to your life. A simple commitment can have powerful results over time if you are consistent.

Let’s look at a few ideas for 2026.

Staying active is one of the most valuable life choices a person can make. We aren’t talking intense workouts, but simple, gentle movements like a daily walk, stretching, yoga, or light strength training. All of these will help with flexibility, balance and bone health. RESOLVE to make time to move your body in a way that feels good to you for 15-30 minutes each day.

Preventative care is another important aspect of general wellness. Listen to your body and take action if something doesn’t feel right. RESOLVE to take an inventory of your overall health and make time in 2026 to schedule regular checkups.

Nourishment is important for both your body and your mind. There is so much noise in social media about dieting; applications that will help you control eating, medications to make it all easy. But most of us could increase our energy and support our overall health if we would RESOLVE to make a few modifications like adding more fruits and vegetables to our diet, limiting snack food, and staying hydrated. Feeding your mind is important too. RESOLVE to be intentional about participating in a daily activity to stimulate your mind. It can be something simple like reading, journaling, or doing a puzzle or something more complex like learning a new skill.

 Social connections are an important component of our health and well-being. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people while providing a valuable service to a cause you care about. Staying active at church or with a local service club is another way to keep and create relationships. RESOLVE to find the time each week to reach out to friends or family to keep loneliness at bay.

 As we get older, our motivation for doing certain things changes. The years of doing something out of obligation gives way to the freedom to do things because we want to. What activities do you do simply because they make you happy? It might be gardening, reading, visiting friends, or spending time with family. Whatever it is, RESOLVE to be intentional about identifying those activities and doing at least one of them weekly just because it gives you joy.  

 New Years resolutions have become almost cliché, tossed out with fervor and quickly forgotten. Let’s change that in 2026, and RESOLVE to stay focused on progress, to make small but meaningful changes, and most importantly, to live one day at a time, with purpose, intention and joy.