The New Year always seems to bring a fresh wave of motivation. We set big goals, fueled by the belief that this will be the year we finally achieve them. But for me, that excitement faded fast. Year after year, I found myself slipping back into old habits by mid-February, wondering where all that energy went.
Sound familiar?
This year, I decided to do things differently. Instead of waiting for January 1st to make a change, I started when I felt ready. And rather than relying on fleeting motivation, I built systems to keep myself accountable.I
The Turning Point: Why This Time Had to Be Different
One of my biggest goals was to lose 40 kg. At 112 kg, my health was on the line. Doctors gave me serious warnings, and I realized this wasn’t just about how I looked—it was about my life. I needed to take control, but I knew quick fixes wouldn’t work this time.
Ditching Diet Myths: Building Systems That Stick
In the past, I fell into the trap of thinking that skipping meals would speed up weight loss. But after two weeks of starving myself with zero progress, it hit me—I needed a smarter, more sustainable approach.
That’s when I started building a system. One that focused on maintaining a calorie deficit and incorporating regular exercise, without making my life miserable.
Learning the Basics: Calorie Deficit and Simple Exercise
I dove into learning how calorie deficits actually work. I also discovered the power of walking—a simple, free exercise that fits easily into my routine. Since I couldn’t afford a gym membership, this was a game-changer.
With this knowledge, I set SMART goals:
- Specific: Lose 40 kg to improve my health.
- Measurable: Track progress with regular weigh-ins and note how I feel.
- Achievable: Aim to lose 5 kg every six weeks.
- Relevant: Focus on my overall health and well-being.
- Time-bound: Give myself a year to reach my goal, with smaller milestones along the way.
Making It Happen: Practical Steps I Took
Here’s how I turned those goals into action:
- Daily Walks: I started walking for 30 minutes to 1 hour every day, clocking in 3-6 hours of exercise each week.
- Comfort is Key: I invested in comfortable shoes to make long walks more enjoyable.
- Meal Prep Magic: Prepping meals in advance saved me time and kept healthy options ready.
- Kitchen Upgrades: I bought an oven and air fryer to make healthier meals at home.
- Pantry Makeover: I swapped out simple carbs for whole grains, proteins, and nutrient-dense foods.
The Results So Far: Small Wins, Big Changes
After six weeks, I have lost 5 kg. But beyond the numbers, I feel more energized and empowered. I am not just chasing a number on the scale—I am building a healthier lifestyle that feels sustainable.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
This journey has taught me that achieving goals isn’t about quick fixes or perfect motivation. It’s about consistency and systems that support lasting change. Progress might be slow, but it’s steady—and that’s what matters most.
If you’re tired of falling into the same New Year’s trap, don’t wait for January 1st. Start when you’re ready. Build systems that keep you accountable, and watch as small, consistent steps lead to big transformations.
Have you ever struggled with sticking to New Year’s resolutions? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!
8 comments
Great read, Weight loss is very important for overall health.
Thank you!
Sticking to New Year resolution can be overwhelming added to the fact that most times we do it from a place of little or no understanding leaving us with little or no result.
Systems and structures are good. They help in building consistency
Secondly, I love the part you said “If you’re tired of falling into the same New Year’s trap, don’t wait for January 1st. Start when you’re ready”
This is so apt
I thought I was the only person with this problem of not following through with new year resolutions, and thanks for showing a practical example using the SMART goal.
Thanks for the wonderful input.
Nice and educative write up.
Thanks for the comment.
I also faced such a serious challenge when I was trying to quench a habit using new year resolution as an avenue, I applied several techniques but I saw my self falling back to the same habit, at a time I studied self-control deeply, and then began the practice, it’s quite frustrating at first but gradually I conquered…