According to forbes.com, only 6% of the people who set a New Year’s resolution are still doing it a year later. Over half of the group polled quit at or under three months. Only 15% made past the six-month mark. With statistics like these, why do we even bother to set goals for the new year?

            For me, January is a fresh start. It’s almost like I get a do-over. I reflect on the things that worked the year before, tweak my focus and determination, and get back in the saddle. I always set a goal related to fitness and eating better. And what I find interesting is that most of the folks surveyed by Forbes had a similar goal direction.

            So, how can we keep from being a resolution flopper? Set a few realistic goals. If I’ve spent 2024 on the couch, running five miles a day isn’t realistic. But walking the block three times a day could be manageable. If I have eaten out every day of 2024, setting a resolution of not eating out is not reachable. But eating out every other day might be realistic.

            Another way to be a fulfiller instead of a flopper is to invite accountability from people who are consistent. I’m not asking someone who struggles with structure and follow-through, I’m asking a friend who has a track record of sticking with it. Someone who will come knocking on my door, and drag me outside to fulfill my promise to them and myself.

            Prayer is also an important piece. Even King David asked God to grant him a willing spirit in Psalm 51. If we want to be fulfillers, not floppers, we need to include our faith in the balance. At times it seems silly to ask God for help when trying to lose weight or exercise more, but in Philippians 4, Paul instructs us to pray about everything. Our goals fall into that category.

            What are your goals going to be for 2025? Will you have one, two, or three? Will you have any at all? I plan to focus on taking care of me this year—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Writing, teaching, reading, praying, moderate pickleball, other exercise, cleaner eating, incorporating rest, and seeking out time with friends. Some of these I’m already doing, others, I need to add or increase. But they are all doable? I’d love to hear your goals. Will you be a flopper? Or a fulfiller? Happy 2025.

(www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics)