Values are easier to keep than goals, she says. “A diet is a goal, and if you don’t keep it then you say: I ruined it, forget it. But when you commit to being, say, genuine or exercising gratitude, then you’re more likely to go the course. The benefits outshine those of any ab workout routine. “Life is a series of big tests and small tests, and if you don’t veer from your original value, you’ll be more comfortable in your skin.”
Examine Your Environment
When it comes to achieving our goals, a positive attitude can make all the difference—yet, we often neglect to consider the impact our homes have on our mindsets. “Subconsciously, our nervous system responds to our environment,” explains Eryn Oruncak, an interior designer who is certified in neuroaesthetics, a discipline that explores how our bodies and brains respond to spaces. “Your home should not only trigger feelings of happiness and strength, but also serve you in completing your daily routines.”
To that end, she advises getting real with yourself about how your space contributes to a sense of ease. Would adding a bench in the hallway encourage you to put on your running shoes? Would amping up the wattage in your desk lamp help improve your focus? “Changing something little can have the biggest shift,” Oruncak says. “The point is to be deliberate in identifying how you want to think and feel, and then thoughtfully set up your space to strengthen your mind and nervous system. Goals are easier to achieve without distraction, obstacles, or added steps.”
Remember: Baby Steps
Above all, keep your goals realistic. “Most people struggle with resolutions because they’re often too broad, overly ambitious, or disconnected from daily life,” explains integrative psychotherapist Jenny Mahlum of New York Counseling. “Real change isn’t about flipping a switch; it’s about building a foundation.”
With that in mind, she recommends making like Bill Murray in What About Bob? and focusing on baby steps first. “Instead of resolving to ‘work out every day,’ make a goal to walk into the gym and spend just two minutes there,” Mahlum says. “Or, start by walking up one extra flight of stairs. Though these actions may seem tiny, they are achievable, consistent, and create momentum. Once you’ve built the habit, you can gradually increase the effort. Starting small and sustainable is how you create long-term change without burning out.”
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