Escape Entrenched Routines in the New Year

As the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, there’s always a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Fireworks light up the sky, and people around the globe shout in unison, “Happy New Year!”

The annual ritual is not just about celebrating the passage of time but also about embracing new beginnings, setting resolutions and dreaming of the changes we want to see in our lives. Yet, come February, or perhaps even sooner for some, a familiar pattern emerges. The enthusiasm wanes, and many find themselves back in the same old routines, leading to the question — do we really celebrate a new year or just the same year again?

The excitement of New Year’s Eve often overshadows the reality of human nature. We are creatures of comfort, often falling back into our pre-established grooves. The gym memberships bought in December sit unused in March, the new diets give way to old eating habits, and those resolutions to learn a new language or pick up a new hobby can be forgotten amidst the familiar daily grind. This isn’t to say that change is impossible. Rather, it highlights how deeply entrenched our habits can be and how challenging it is to alter them without a good strategy.

So, how can we transform “Happy New Year” into something more than just a catchy phrase? Here are three practical steps to ensure that this year, you truly embrace new changes.

New Year routines

Put it on the calendar on repeat: One of the most effective ways to ensure you stick to your new goals is by scheduling them. If you want to learn to play the guitar, block out time every week for practice. Use digital calendars that can send you reminders on repeat events. That pop up on your calendar every day or week. This method leverages the power of habit formation by making your new activities as routine as your daily commute or brushing your teeth. It’s not always fun taking on a new habit — make it part of your daily to-do list and just do it.

Get an accountability partner: Change is more sustainable when shared. Find someone with similar goals or interests. This could be a friend, a colleague or even an online community. An accountability partner not only motivates you but also provides a support system to share successes and setbacks. Regular check-ins can make the journey less daunting and more enjoyable. Examples here could include a friend, tutor, coach or personal trainer.

Reward yourself for achieving your daily goals: Motivation can wane, but rewards can reignite that spark. Think Pavlov’s dog. Tie the fun stuff to the hard stuff.  Rewards don’t have to be grand; they just need to be meaningful to you. This method uses positive reinforcement, making the new habit more appealing and less of a chore. I know someone that gets a gets a tasty smoothie after every exercise session.

While saying “Happy New Year” is easy, making it truly a “new” year requires strategy, and persistence. By integrating these steps into your life, you’re not just wishing for change — you’re actively sculpting it. So, as we continue into this new year, if you have a few goals that are not getting the attention they deserve, try these strategies and see if you can make it “Happy NEW Year.”