Along with singing “Auld Lang Syne” at the start of the New Year, making resolutions is a tradition for many of us. However, while choosing a resolution can be easy, sticking to them is hard. I know from experience.

Although I’ve worked in YMCAs for more than 20 years, I have struggled with my wellness goals. In fact, most of us do. A YMCA survey found that 71 percent of people make New Year’s resolutions, but less than a quarter of those keep them.

Does that mean we should stop making resolutions? Of course not. Instead, I suggest that we reframe them. One way to do this is to break them down into smaller, easy-to-sustain goals.

For me, that meant I had to let go of what I thought I should be doing, or even what I used to do when I was younger. There was a time in my young adulthood when I played competitive sports 3 times per week and lifted weights in between. Those goals no longer make sense for me as I am recovering from a knee injury and I have a busy family schedule.

A couple of years ago, with the encouragement of our Y Health & Wellness staff, I set the goal of attending two fitness classes per week. This gave me something to aim for that was specific, measurable and attainable. And it’s fun! I love going to Group Power class at the Y because of the people who are there, the encouraging instructors and the motivating music.

Attending Group Power class at the Y is now a habit for me. It has taken me time to get there. Like most people who are changing their habits, I have had my ups and downs, but I make sure to celebrate the successes and those of my classmates. My current goal is to build more strength by increasing my weights.

Whatever it is you want to accomplish in 2024, I encourage you to reframe your resolutions in a positive way and break them down into smaller, easy-to-sustain goals. By doing this, you’ll see big benefits in the long run.

If you’d like to learn more about how the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA can help you accomplish your goals, can call us at 641-752-8658 or visit www.ymca-ywca.org.

——

Kim Jass-Ramirez is CEO of the

Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA.