By Amanda Brown
The further we get from January, the more our new year’s resolutions can fade. But don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. The year isn’t over yet.
This is a good time to pause, reflect, and set some intentions and perhaps revisit how you’re going to make shifts – and perhaps why those shifts were important in the first place.
New Year, New You?
There’s something about a new year that feels like a fresh opportunity a chance to reset, refocus, and decide what really matters. It’s the moment to think about what we want to carry forward, and what we’re ready to leave behind.
But let’s be honest. Most of us start January with big health and life goals. But the actual shift in behaviour change is hard – much harder than we anticipate – and by the end of the month, those well-intended resolutions often end up tossed aside like Christmas wrapping paper. So this year, instead of going big and throwing away our aims, we encourage you to keep trying. But think small goals and milestones, with actionable behaviours repeated over time. We encourage you to focus your energy on contemplating why that goal is important to you, and the small steps you’re already taking to live that value.
A Balanced Approach
Further to this, changing habits or creating new ones takes energy. And we need energy to help sustain us and enliven us to achieve our goals. We gain this energy through balance. Balance is a mix of work, relationships, and rest. Rest and balance aren’t luxuries; they’re the drivers of long-term success, and what sustains us as we focus our energy on behavioural change.
So, what makes up balance and why is it important for broader aims? Balance is about those everyday habits that we know are good for us, but may be neglected as we work extra hours in the office or say yes to reqests that overstretch us. We encourage you to allow time for self care – making time for movement or exercise, getting enough sleep, eating food that nourishes you, and finding quiet moments to breathe and recharge. These habits give you the energy you need to make changes, think differently, and keep moving forward.
Another key ingredient? Connection. We’re wired for it, and it plays a huge role in mental health. Make an effort to strengthen your social bonds – reach out to a friend, join a local group, volunteer for something you care about, or just be more present with the people you love. Sharing experiences and supporting each other can make a world of difference, especially when life feels overwhelming.
And here’s the truth: it’s normal to slip up when you’re working on behavioural change. But if you fuel your life with the energy that balance brings, you’ll be more likely to keep going. Focus on progress, not perfection, and expect that there will be bumps along the way.
Keep Going
So as you think about your hopes for 2026, don’t give up. We encourage you to bring balance, health, and connection into your life. These are the foundations that will give you the energy to tackle your bigger goals.
All the best for the year ahead, and remember: if you stumble, don’t get discouraged. It’s all about balance and consistency over time. That’s what leads to the best results.
