From New Year’s Resolutions to Happy, Healthy Habits.
Less pressure. More play. More nourishment for body, mind, and character strengths.
Every January, we’re encouraged to make New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you’ve been there: scraping down lofty goals, imagining the “new you” in big bold strokes. And then… life happens. The goals feel heavy, the pressure mounts, and soon enough, the resolutions are abandoned. Worse, they leave us feeling guilty for not being perfect.
Much like the word diet, (which I don’t love - it even has the word “die” in it!), resolutions often focus on deprivation, self-criticism, and willpower rather than nourishment, joy, and sustainability.
This year, I want to encourage us to try something different. What if, instead, we shifted the conversation? Move from pressure to play, from fixing what’s “wrong” to strengthening what’s already right.
That’s the spirit behind what we explored during our Zest the Halls campaign, playfully and thoughtfully inviting people to embody their strengths rather than forcing change. And the results were beautiful. People shared moments of kindness, zest, and so much more!
As we begin the new year, I’m encouraging you to move away from resolutions to Happy, Healthy Habits.
A New Way To Approach Change
Happy, Healthy Habits aren’t about perfection or radical transformation. They are:
Small, doable, and life-giving
Rooted in nourishment, savoring, and appreciation
Designed to support energy, vitality, and connection
Flexible enough to evolve with our lives
Sustainable health doesn’t come from extreme diets, punishing workouts, or short bursts of effort. Lifestyle medicine tells us that it comes from daily practices that support both the body and mind over time: moving in ways that feel good, getting restorative sleep, enjoying meals that nourish rather than restrict, connecting with others, and finding ways to manage stress. When these small, consistent habits become part of your life, they build energy, resilience, and long-term well-being - without the pressure or burnout of “all-or-nothing” approaches.
Change also sticks when it’s connected to what matters most: meaning, enjoyment, and the strengths you already have. Positive Psychology teaches us that the habits that align with your values, bring joy, and let you use your natural strengths are far more likely to last than ones based on obligation or self-criticism. That’s why small, playful adjustments (like taking a few minutes to laugh, reflect, or show gratitude) often have a bigger impact than massive, short-term efforts.
From movement science and fitness, we know that the body thrives when physical strength is paired with character strength: courage to begin, self-compassion to continue, wisdom to pace ourselves, and zest to make it joyful. Thriving isn’t just about muscles or steps, it’s about the mindset, character, and joy you bring to every action.
Rewriting the Question
Instead of asking:
“What should I give up this year?”
We might ask:
“What habit would help me feel a little more energized, connected, or alive most days?”
It can be simple things, like:
A daily walk with music you love.
A stretch break between meetings.
More colorful food on your plate.
More laughter, play, or water.
More kindness toward your body and yourself.
A Gentle Invitation
This year, I’m inviting us to practice Happy, Healthy Habits, habits that honor both our physical and character strengths, support long-term wellbeing, and make room for joy.
No pressure.
No perfection.
Just positive momentum.
This year, I’m choosing Habit, Healthy Habits instead of resolutions. No pressure, no perfection, just small nourishing practices that make life a little brighter.
Ask yourself: what’s one Happy, Healthy Habit that supports your energy, joy, or connection this year? One small choice that feeds your life instead of taking from it? Let’s inspire each other to move forward with intention and a little more play.