Many of us have made at least one resolution for 2025. Some of us are even resigning to the same resolution that we made for ourselves in 2024. A new year often presents hope for change, renewal and accomplishing those big goals. The reality is most of us fail at our resolutions. Studies suggest that after the first week only 70%-75% of us maintain our New Year’s resolution. After a month that percentage drops to 55%-60%. By the sixth month, it drops to 40%-50% and by the end of the year, only 8%-20% of us are maintaining our New Year’s resolution. The problem is, resolutions can be overambitious and the plan for staying on course too vague.

 

That’s why I love the Blue Zones principles for healthier living. The Power 9 (more info here) are ways to living a better life that can lead to better health and longevity. And it doesn’t mean drastic change. It doesn’t mean 5 AM gym classes and 800 calorie diets. What it does mean is adding more movement into our days – getting up and walking a little bit more. It means adding more fruits and veggies to our plates. Just think about adding a few extra sides of veggies to your meals every week. Take time out of your day for just you. Find a hobby or something that helps you relax and enjoy being in the moment. Take time out of your day for friends and family. Our friends and our families can bring joy and fellowship. Discover or renew your deeper sense of purpose. Find what really matters to you and chase after it. We don’t need to try and change everything all at once. We simply need to begin to add little things that matter into our days. All of these principles can lead to a better life and when we are living better, we automatically want to take better care of ourselves. Small changes can add up to big and beautiful transformations. Here’s to living better, longer! Happy new year.