Post Reports The trick to making New Year’s resolutions stick
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Jan 8, 2026 Join Maggie Penman, a reporter for The Washington Post's Optimist section, as she shares science-backed tips to stick to your New Year's resolutions. Discover how reframing goals to add enjoyment can enhance success while the buddy system boosts accountability. Learn about 'temptation bundling'—pairing fun activities with chores—and using the yearend motivation for tackling unpleasant tasks. Maggie emphasizes that even imperfect resolutions can lead to positive change, making self-improvement a fun journey!
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Resolutions Help Even If Imperfect
- Setting resolutions helps because even partial progress moves you forward.
- Researchers say goals make improvement more likely even when not fully achieved.
Reframe Goals As Additions
- Reframe avoidant goals into attractive, additive goals you enjoy in the moment.
- For example, aim to eat more fruit for dessert instead of stopping cookies.
Swapping Running For Enjoyable Exercise
- Maggie tried forcing herself to become a runner but discovered she dislikes running.
- She shifted to dance classes she enjoys and now needs less willpower to exercise.
