As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, many of us feel inspired to make significant changes in our lives. However, as the weeks pass, our resolutions often fade into distant memories. Why is it so challenging to create lasting change, and how can we make this year different?

The obstacles to maintaining New Year's resolutions are numerous. Unrealistic expectations, lack of specificity, and the pressure to change too much at once, combined with the attending pressures of life can all lead to early abandonment of our goals. In addition, we often focus way too much energy on external results without addressing the underlying mindsets that drive our behaviors.

I know this firsthand. Emerging once again after 3.5+ years of full-time eldercare and a breast cancer diagnosis, I can personally attest that the obstacles of life, coupled with unrealistic expectations can make the path to success seem unachievable. But, through the last 3.5+ years, I’ve always held on to the words of Christian Mickelsen, “If you continually work on yourself and continually work on your business, success is inevitable. The only question is time.” That, along with the knowledge, that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year and grossly underestimate what they can accomplish in five or ten years give me the energy to chart a new path for 2025. I invite you to join me on the journey.

As the incomparable Dolly Parton once said, "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." This powerful quote reminds me that we have the power to create change in our lives, to include paving a new path to travel.

So, how can we pave a new road for ourselves this year? Here are eight small efforts that can make a big difference:

1. Start a gratitude journal: Taking a few minutes each day to write down things you're grateful for can significantly improve your mental and physical well-being. This simple practice can help shift your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life.

2. Set specific, achievable goals: Instead of vague resolutions, focus on concrete, measurable objectives. For example, rather than "get healthier," aim to "eat one serving of vegetables with every meal" or walk for 20 minutes three times per week.

3. Practice habit stacking: Attach new habits to existing ones. For instance, if you want to start meditating, do it right after brushing your teeth in the morning.

4. Schedule regular check-ins: Mark your calendar for monthly self-assessments. This allows you to track your progress and adjust your goals as needed. However, hold your goals/objectives lightly and extend grace to yourself.

5. Cultivate a growth mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Remember, setbacks are not failures but stepping stones to success. The path to success is not linear. Failing at a particular effort is no more than a data point; no more, no less. You get to decide what meaning to attribute to the data point and you get to decide the subsequent actions that follow.

6. Seek support: Share your goals with friends or family, or join a club related to your objectives. Having a support system can provide accountability and encouragement.

7. Detach from outcomes. Writing a book may be fun. Writing a New York Times bestseller is probably not going to be fun. You have control over the writing process. You don’t have control over the number of copies that will sell. Attach joy to the process and not outcomes.

8. Find at least one thing to do just for fun, even if you’re horrible at it. For example, take up ballroom dancing, learn to paint, learn a sport, join a theater group…..

Remember, lasting change doesn't happen overnight. It's the result of small, consistent efforts over time. As you embark on this new year, focus on progress rather than perfection. Celebrate your small wins and be kind to yourself when you face obstacles.

By taking these small steps and consistently paving your new road, you can make this year truly different. As you move forward, keep Dolly Parton's words in mind. If you don't like where you're headed, you have the power to change your direction. Here's to a year of growth, self-discovery, and positive change!

Dr. Darlene