How to Actually Keep Your 2026 New Year’s Resolutions

Time for a resolution check-in. Don’t worry, it’s not even two weeks into 2026. There’s no time like the present to work on your new-year-new-me goals, whether you’re looking to work out more, learn a new skill or save money. We asked women leaders, entrepreneurs and experts from B.C. to weigh in with their very best advice on how to keep your New Year’s resolutions for 2026—and really mean it. Here’s what they had to say.

1. “Choose a word or phrase that captures how you want to align yourself”

I’ve always resented that “making resolutions” implies something is wrong, and it needs to be fixed on a timeline. It’s so rigid and that doesn’t sound fun at all! Everyone is unique in how they problem-solve and when it happens. I recommend choosing a word or phrase that captures how you want to align yourself and the decisions you make this year. Last year, I chose “Let go,” and it really helped me live in the moment and be patient. — Amanda Kao, founder and CEO of The Bad Academy

2. “Be realistic and start small”

Be realistic and start small. Keeping a New Year’s resolution isn’t about willpower; it’s about making your goals small enough to fit into your real life. When you focus on one meaningful change at a time and build it into your existing routines or habits, it becomes much easier to stay consistent. If your new habits slip, give yourself permission to reset instead of giving up or criticizing yourself, because every day is another chance to begin again. — Gillian Behnke, founder of Mom Camp and creator of the Priority Mom Planner

3. “Get specific about what you’re trying to achieve”

Most New Year’s financial resolutions fail not because they’re unrealistic, but because there’s no habit or accountability attached to them. Get specific about what you’re trying to achieve, like saving $300 a month or paying off a credit card in six months, instead of just “I want to be better with money.” Pair this with one system that you can stick to, like a recurring transfer or a weekly budget check-in, and the resolution will turn into a routine. — Chelsea Langenstam, personal finance content creator, @chelseaspursuit

4. “Consistency beats intensity every time”

Consistency beats intensity every time. The resolutions that last aren’t the most ambitious; instead, they’re the ones that fit into real life and can be repeated, even on hard days! Set realistic goals and build from there. You’ll have fun, success and, over time, notice large changes. — Nastasia Liavas, vice president of Fitness Services, Fitness World

5. “Make it so easy you almost can’t say no”

Most resolutions fail because they’re built around big overhauls instead of small, doable shifts. If you want something to stick, make it so easy that you almost can’t say no. For example, if you have a movement or fitness goal, adding little movements more often is the trick. A few minutes of shoulder rolls at your desk, stretches in the kitchen, dance parties in the living room. This becomes more supportive rather than aiming for perfection. These small actions regulate your nervous system and build trust with yourself over time. When you focus on consistency over intensity, change becomes something you grow into instead of something you push through. — Brea Johnson, founder & lead educator, Heart + Bones Yoga and online studio

6. “Share your goals”

My secret to keeping resolutions isn’t willpower, it’s connection. When you share your goals with an accountability partner or community, you create support, reflection and momentum, especially when motivation fades. Pair that with small, repeatable habits that support how you want to feel in your body and in your life. Progress grows more naturally and lasts longer when it’s built together. — Laura van der Veer, co-founder, LUVA™ & She Summits

7. “Create a routine that is easy for you to say yes to”

The key to long term success is not only achieving your new year goals, but creating long-term healthy habits, is consistency. Create a routine that is easy for you to say “yes” to more often than “no.” Find a gym that takes the planning out of your workout (ie, the trainer has it all planned out for you), you have a community that you enjoy being around AND expects you to show up, and commit a minimum of three-to-four hours per week to this routine. The right place for you knows your name, knows your goals and will be calling you when you miss your regular 4:30 p.m. workout. — Jessica Bejcar, national fitness manager, Orangetheory Fitness Canada

8. “Find a person or community who can support you”

If you’re making New Year’s resolutions or setting goals for Q1, don’t keep them to yourself. Share your resolutions out loud and find a person or community who can support you and help keep you accountable. Having cheerleaders who encourage you, not just to reach your goal, but to sustain it, makes all the difference. Real, lasting positive change rarely happens in isolation. — Jenn Wint, author and small business PR coach at WINT Communications