Angie’s tips to keep health goals on track in the new year

Start Small and Be Consistent
Choose goals that feel manageable, such as exercising 10–15 minutes a day or adding one healthy habit each week. Consistency matters more than intensity, especially when you’re just getting started. And small successes lead to momentum and are motivating.

Set Clear, Realistic Goals
Also called SMART goals. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time based) Instead of vague goals like “get healthy,” focus on specific actions—such as walking three times per week or drinking more water daily. Clear goals make progress easier to track and maintain.

Create a Simple Routine
Schedule your workouts, meals, or wellness practices at the same time each day when possible. A predictable routine removes decision-making and helps healthy behaviors become habits.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Life is unpredictable at times and can derail best laid plans. Take the goal of walking three times per week from above: You were able to walk two times this week, but your child got sick and you needed to stay home and take care of them. Were you “perfect” and reached your goal of walking three times? No, but, you still walked two times, and that is progress over not walking at all in previous weeks.

Angie Paxson is Health and Wellness Director for the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA