Think small, move more: Why realistic New Year goals work best
Active Lincolnshire urges people to ditch the hype and focus on simple, sustainable habits this January
The New Year is often seen as the perfect time to reset our health goals - but a Lincolnshire health charity says success doesn’t come from drastic changes.
Active Lincolnshire is encouraging people to keep their New Year’s resolutions realistic, manageable and personal, warning that overly ambitious goals often lead to a quick drop-off by mid-January.
“Being more active is a really great opportunity for people who want to feel healthier,” says CEO Emma Tatlow. “But it’s really important to be realistic about setting goals that we can actually maintain.”
Emma says everyone’s circumstances are different, and comparing yourself to others - especially on social media - can be unhelpful.
“Don’t worry too much about what everybody else is doing or all the hype,” she explains. “Think about what’s important to you.”
Instead of big lifestyle overhauls, Active Lincolnshire promotes the idea of “micro habits” - also known as “movement snacks”.
“Even ten minutes a day can make a difference,” Emma says. “Could you take a short walk, go outside for ten minutes, or take the stairs instead of the lift? Consistency really is key.”
She also highlights the power of doing activities with others, whether that’s friends, family or colleagues.
“When you’ve got somebody doing something with you, it really helps,” she adds. “That accountability and shared experience can make all the difference.”
For those looking for inspiration, Emma points people towards local resources and campaigns like Rise Every Day, as well as the website letsmovelincolnshire.com, where residents can search for nearby activities using their postcode - from free health walks to group activities across the county.
“There are so many opportunities out there,” she says. “Set yourself a goal that’s meaningful and achievable for you - and start building habits that last.”