Forget New Year's Resolutions, Find One Small Change You Can Make This Year

Let’s be honest: the idea of completely overhauling your life in January sounds inspiring, but for most of us, it’s overwhelming. That’s why so many New Year’s resolutions fizzle out before the month is even over. The truth? Big, sweeping changes are hard to sustain, and one slip can feel like total failure.

So, what if you tried something different this year? Instead of aiming for a massive transformation, pick one tiny, doable change you can stick with every day. Small steps add up—and they’re much easier to celebrate along the way.

For example, I’ve always wanted to be a healthier eater (let’s just say vegetables aren’t my favorite, but sweets and treats are). Last year, I committed to eating one serving of vegetables every day—and I did it! This year, I’m adding a serving of fruit to my daily routine. Is it a huge change? No. But it’s realistic, and it’s progress.

I’m also setting a new goal: limiting myself to zero to two servings of sweets and treats a day (down from my usual five-plus). I know I’m not ready to give up sweets entirely, but I can start with a small, manageable goal. That’s how real change happens—one day, one choice at a time.

Try this ONE thing

Want to feel successful right from the start this year? Choose one small thing you can commit to every day. Maybe it’s drinking an extra glass of water, taking a five-minute walk, or sending a kind text to a friend.  Whatever it is, make it so simple you can’t help but succeed. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small –they’re the building blocks of lasting change.

Want to experience coaching? I like to start with a deep, get-to-know-you conversation to see if we are right for each other. Sometimes we talk for one or two hours at no charge. I have no goal except to bring about transformation. Together we work on the lies, the self-deception, the fears of the power you perceive to be outside yourself. We work on your difficulties in making decisions and your inability thus far to make bold choices in life and to follow through and trust yourself completely to do so.

The irony for some people is that the very thing that they want the coaching for (an indecisive, half-hearted life) is what’s keeping them from deciding whether to get coaching.

When you’re ready, reach out @ karen.laidlaw.theONEthing@outlook.com. Meanwhile, enjoy the blog!