BY CHRISTAIN WARREN FREED
Well, gang. Here we are. It’s that time of year again. The holidays are behind us and 2026 is off and running. Winter may just be getting into full swing, not that it means too much to us in Holly Springs, North Carolina, but that’s not about to stop the countless masses from getting that shiny new gym membership and then dreaming at night of all the hours they’re going to spend sweating off the pounds, drinking less alcohol, eating healthier foods, decluttering their surroundings, and otherwise changing their lives.
Until they don’t.
We all know the deal by this point. It’s those pesky New Year’s resolutions we make in an equally confusing tone of jest and seriousness. We lie to ourselves about how we’re going to change this, do that, go here. Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t a knock against gyms or those dedicated patrons who flock to the machines on a daily or weekly basis. No, this is about the majority of us who are suddenly inspired by delusions of grandeur.
The truth is, every expert in the world will tell you that if you honestly wanted change you’d start now, not wait for a magical date on the calendar. New Year’s resolutions may be fun and offer a sense of nostalgia, but are they practical for those who truly wish to change their lives for the better? No.
In a study conducted last year, it was discovered that only three in 10 Americans bother with resolutions. Not only is that a remarkably low number but over 60% of those who made resolutions did so because they felt pressured by friends or family. In better news, almost 80% of those resolutions revolved around improving health, with only a measly 6% of adults seeking to travel.
More than 80% of us braving these resolutions believe we can stick with them throughout the year, yet statistics show that fewer than 20% of us actually do. I guess that makes it easier to see why 70% of the country doesn’t even bother.
So, with the craze of New Year’s resolutions slowly fading, we need to turn our attention in a direction with proven results and a much greater track record. It’s the age-old debate over a temporary fix or lasting lifestyle changes.
For every one person convinced their resolutions are going to succeed, that THIS is the year, there are a dozen more who acknowledge that making substantial changes in their daily lives is the proper way to go. We are complex beings, from our thoughts to our individual body compositions. What works for you might not work for your neighbor or friend. Ultimately, the choice of what to do with your life lies in your hands and there are several avenues for conducting research, getting proper advice, and learning to help you achieve your goals.
Health is the number one improvement goal, so it’s easy to see why so many of us make those spur-of-the-moment gym membership purchases. Health, alas, doesn’t start at the gym. It starts in your kitchens and beds — with how early you’re willing to hit the sack or get up in the morning, with how much water you’re willing to consume daily, with how willing you are to cut the unhealthy foods and snacks from your diet.
The two biggest changes one can attempt are cutting back (or eliminating) alcohol and tobacco. Now, this isn’t me preaching. Experts all agree that removing these addictions (and you might as well throw in sugar, too) not only improves the quality of your life, it adds on a few years to the back end.
We all say we’re going to eat healthier, exercise more, save money, etc., but the sad reality is we seldom emplace success factors into our mental paths forward. This is where actual lifestyle changes take precedence over the fanciful resolutions.
Here are a few basic steps you can take to make positive lifestyle changes:
Start by identifying what you would like to change.
Develop strategies to make the change. (This might be the most difficult part of the whole process!)
Identify what works and what doesn’t work and (here’s the kicker) LEARN from them. For example, hitting the gym seven days a week might not doable or even realistic.
Take time to review and celebrate your progresses. Every little win adds to the whole. Before you know it, you really will have that new you you’ve been aching for!
Build your support mechanisms. Not all of us are able to deal with our challenges alone, and that’s all right. Putting in place that close network of friends, family, and peers to cheer you on and keep you going when you least feel like it goes a long way in ensuring you meet your goals.
Do not give up when it feels too difficult. Growth is filled with challenges and speed bumps. Use your support network to push through the tough moments and keep driving forward.
Another important aspect of this discussion is the actual need to make changes to your health. Too many of us suffer from medical issues, often of our own creation, that can be helped with just a little change on our part. This isn’t to suggest we can make all the bad things go away just because we want to, but there is always something we can do within our power to alleviate some of the problem. For everything else, there are enough doctors, clinics, and specialists in the area to get you on the right track.
Still not ready to give up the old resolutions? There are certain steps you can take to make your journey easier and, just possibly, ride them out to the end of the year and make those permanent changes you’ve been looking for.
The first step would be to get a planner or journal to record your notes and progress. You also might want to consider finding an accountability partner, especially if your goals revolve around improving your health. You don’t want to be alone on shaky ground while trying to convince yourself to get dressed and hit the gym. Humans are communal beings. We require togetherness, and it stems from finding strength in numbers when early tribes of people ventured forth into the wilds. Our worry today is less about being eaten by beasts, and all about needing others to help alleviate our insecurity, doubts, and lack of self-motivation while attempting to reach our goals.
If you are in Camp Resolution and stick with it, there is 57% chance you’ll see those resolutions lasting well beyond that first year. With so many folks who make resolutions believing they will impact their lives beyond a single year, is it any wonder that those die-hards who stick with it through the easy times and the bad keep coming back for more?
Regardless of whether you get into the New Year’s resolution craze or are seeking to make sustainable long-term changes to your lives, there is something to be said for taking that first important step in the direction you feel you need to move in. Whichever road your journey takes you, here’s to a happy and healthy 2026, Holly Springs.
