How to Make New Year’s Resolutions That Actually Work

I bet you’re already thinking about your 2026 New Year’s Resolutions. Every January, we feel the pressure to re-evaluate our lives, to plan ahead, to re-invent ourselves. The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on our goals and dreams, but it’s important to do this mindfully. It’s too easy to give in the pressure to make big, ambitious resolutions. But is that the right approach?

Here are some of our best tips on how to make New Year’s Resolutions that actually work:

-It's not always about going big or going home… make your resolutions attainable by breaking them down into stages that you can reach overtime. Set target dates of when you’d like to hit each milestone in your journey.

-Don’t throw yourself into the deep end- ease yourself in and you’ll be more likely to acclimatise to the change.

-Make small and gradual lifestyle changes rather than re-branding your whole self on a random sleepless night at 2am.

-Gradually lean into new hobbies, purchase supplies intentionally and only partake in the activity once a week, building up the habit in a consistent manner

-Create realistic budget plans rather than going on a spending ban, monitor your spending more and start saving little amounts but often.

-Design your resolutions to fit around your schedule, making them work for real-life not ideal-life.

-Remind yourself daily of why you want to make these changes. It's easier to motivate yourself when you focus on your motivations rather than the end goal

-Don't overdo it. Stick to one or two key points. You’re more likely to stick to them if you don’t pressure yourself.

-Have a fun resolution! Something you know you enjoy and that won't feel like a chore. Make sure to prioritise your enjoyment and give yourself a bit of self care, you deserve it. How about a list of movies you want to watch each month? Or maybe places you want to visit, books to read, or recipes you want to try.

-Track progress not perfection. Have resilience in knowing that the road may be bumpy but remaining consistent with your eye on the prize will get you to where you need to be.

Good luck with your 2026 goals!

Written by Isabel Meszaros