As the calendar turns to 2025, the excitement of a new year brings with it a wave of resolutions, fresh starts, and renewed motivation. Many of us dive into gym memberships, ambitious plans, and lifestyle overhauls with high hopes. But if you’ve been through this ritual as many times as I have (54 times, to be exact), you might already know how this story often ends: with old habits quietly creeping back in.

Why does this happen? It’s because new activities aren’t yet ingrained as habits. They don’t have the comfort and familiarity of the routines we’ve practiced for years. Add to that the sheer effort of willpower required to maintain these changes, and it’s no wonder so many resolutions fade away before February.

Why Willpower Doesn’t Work

Willpower can feel like an unreliable friend. It might show up when you’re feeling strong and determined, but it tends to disappear when life throws challenges your way. There’s even a book titled Willpower Doesn’t Work, which delves into this very issue. The idea is simple: relying on willpower alone is like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it. The effort is constant, and the results are fleeting.

So, what’s the alternative?

The Power of Small Habits

Over the years, I’ve discovered that the key to lasting change isn’t willpower; it’s consistency. And the best way to stay consistent is to start small—so small that it feels almost effortless. I’ve been using a “small habits” system for years now, and it’s the only approach that has truly stuck.

For example, I’ve been doing 100 push-ups a day for three years. But here’s the thing: I didn’t start with 100 push-ups. I started with just a handful, sometimes even breaking them up into tiny portions throughout the day. This made the task so manageable that I had no excuse not to do it, even when I was sick or exhausted. Over time, the habit grew, and now it’s as much a part of my day as brushing my teeth.

How to Build Small Habits

If you’re inspired to give the small habits system a try, here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Start Tiny: Choose a habit so small that it feels almost silly. Want to start exercising? Begin with one push-up or a 30-second stretch.

2. Make It Daily: Consistency is key. Doing something every day builds momentum and reinforces the habit.

3. Anchor It to an Existing Routine: Link your new habit to something you already do, like brushing your teeth or making coffee.

4. Track Your Progress: A simple checkmark on a calendar can be surprisingly motivating.

5. Be Patient: Habits take time to form. Celebrate small wins along the way and don’t worry about perfection.

Why It’s Worth Trying

Small habits may seem inconsequential at first, but they have a compounding effect over time. Whether it’s improving your fitness, learning a new skill, or fostering better relationships, the small, consistent steps you take today can lead to transformative results in the long run.

So this New Year, instead of diving headfirst into a mountain of resolutions, consider starting small. Build habits that are sustainable, even on your worst days. You might be surprised by how far you’ll go.

Here’s to a fulfilling and habit-filled 2025!