New Year, New Goals
Taking control of your health
How to build healthy habits to last all year!
A new year is a fresh start
Most of us begin the year with big plans and promises: to eat healthier, exercise more, or get better sleep. But sometimes goals like these can be intimidating and feel too big, which often leads to us giving up quickly.
The better approach? Set smaller goals that are easier to achieve and create habits you can follow beyond January. We can help!
Start With a Small Goal
It’s easy to say, “I want to be healthier,” but that is not a very clear goal. A clear goal helps you understand what you want and what you need to do to get there. When you make a goal, ask yourself these questions:
What do I want to improve?
Why does this matter to me?
What is one small step I can take to start?
Remember, small goals can lead to big changes over time.
Make it a SMART Goal
Creating SMART goals is, well, SMART! And, by approaching goal-setting with this framework, you create goals you can reach.
- Not: “I will exercise more.”
- Yes: “I will walk after dinner.”
- Not: “I will eat healthier.”
- Yes: “I will eat one fruit each day.”
- Not: “I will exercise for two hours every day.”
- Yes: “I will move my body for 20 minutes, 3 times a week.”
- Not: “I will do this activity to please my family.”
- Yes: “I want more energy to play with my grandkids.”
- Not: “I will get this done eventually.”
- Yes: “I will do this for four weeks and then review.”
Focus on Habits, Not Perfection
A habit is something you do over and over. Habits help you reach your goals easily. You don’t have to be perfect; a single setback won’t ruin your progress. What matters is that you get back on track and keep trying.
Big changes feel scary; small steps feel doable, even 5 minutes counts.
“After brushing my teeth, I will drink a glass of water.”
Set yourself up for success: keep fruit where you can see it, put walking shoes by the door.
Tracking helps you notice your progress so you can celebrate achievements as they occur.
Hard days happen so have a backup plan; doing something is better than nothing at all.
You've Got This!
New Year goals don’t have to be big to matter. Small changes made often can lead to real health improvements. Start simple, make a SMART plan, and keep going even when life gets busy.
If you need help planning your health goals this year, talk with your Somatus health support team. Somatus hosts free live webinars monthly that cover various health topics to keep you on track year-round. Find out how you can register for our next webinar and view previous webinars.
Keep Your Healthy Habits
Fill out the form to sign up for our “A Healthier You Newsletter” and receive your “Healthy Habits” Checklist to help keep your SMART goals for 2026.
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Learn more about the healthy living program.
Somatus is here to answer your questions anytime. Call us (855) 851-8354