New Year’s Resolutions: How to Stick to Them and Make 2026 The Year of Success

Every January, millions of people in the UK set New Year’s resolutions with genuine hope, whether that’s eating better, getting fitter, or building better habits. In fact, about 7 in 10 Brits (72%) plan to set themselves a resolution in 2026, equating to around 39.5 million people committing to change as the year begins.

Yet despite this popularity, resolutions often fizzle out. Research shows many British adults give up early: around 46% quit their goals by the end of January, and only about 9% stay committed for the whole year. 

So why do so many well-intentioned resolutions fail, and how can we do better, especially in areas like diet, exercise, and personal success?

Start with Realistic, Identity-Centred Goals

Most resolutions fall apart because they’re built on motivation alone, not on a sustainable plan. Rather than aiming for perfection from day one, it helps to define goals that align with who you want to become.

For example, saying “I’m becoming someone who eats more plant-based meals regularly” feels more achievable than “I must go 100 % plant-based immediately.” This mindset shifts the focus from rigid targets to evolving habits.

Make Fitness Goals Practical, Not Punishing

Fitness resolutions are among the most popular, and with good reason: physical activity has been shown to boost mood, energy, and long-term health. Nearly half of UK adults (48%) report engaging in some form of exercise, though only a minority meet recommended weekly activity levels. 

Rather than committing to extreme workout schedules, start with achievable steps: scheduled walks, short gym sessions, or fitness classes you genuinely enjoy. Fitness becomes significantly easier to sustain if it’s something you look forward to rather than dread.

Build Your Environment Around Success

Willpower is limited, but your environment isn’t. Set yourself up for success by removing obstacles and making desired behaviours easier:

• Meal-prep lunches to reduce decision fatigue.

• Schedule workouts like appointments - visibility increases accountability.

• Share your goals publicly or with supportive friends to reinforce commitment.

Small environmental tweaks make healthy choices feel automatic.

Reframe ‘Failure’ as Part of Progress

Even the best plans don’t go perfectly. Research shows that the key to sticking with resolutions isn't avoiding setbacks, it’s how quickly you recover from them. A short lapse doesn’t erase progress unless you let it define you. Experts suggest seeing setbacks as data points, not personal failures. 

Connect Health Habits to Broader Success

Resolutions stick when they are anchored in meaning. Eating healthier meals isn’t just about diet; it can be about energy levels, sustainability, ethics, or financial savings. Fitness isn’t just about body shape; it’s about confidence, stress relief, and resilience. Tying your goals to deeper motivations gives them staying power.

Redefining Success for the Long Term

True success isn’t achieved overnight; it’s built quietly, day by day, through small, repeatable actions. Whether you’re focusing on diet, fitness, mindset, or professional goals, lasting resolutions become part of your identity and routine.

This New Year, the most powerful resolution you can make isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.