I have always loved the start of a new year. There is something so refreshing about taking a moment to reflect on my life and think about what I can do to make the next year a great one. Naturally, this leads to writing down my New Year’s resolutions. A few years ago, I realized that it was not enough to simply set an intention. If I wanted real change, I needed a written plan for how to follow through.
If you want to actually stick to your New Year’s resolutions in 2026, keep reading. This is the simple process that finally helped me stay consistent, and I think it can work for you too.
1. Start With Your Vision
Before you decide on any resolution, think about what you want your life to look like. I like to ask myself a few questions at the end of every year.
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What do I want more of in my life
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What do I want less of
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What would make me proud one year from now
Maybe you want to feel healthier, save money, be a more present family member, strengthen your relationships, travel more, switch careers, or yes, even buy a home. Write all of it down. Seeing everything in one place helps you understand what truly matters to you.
2. Make Your Resolutions SMART
This part changed everything for me. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
For example:
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Instead of “I want to lose weight,” try “I will lose 10 pounds between January and March.”
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Instead of “I want to save money,” try “I will save 500 dollars each month toward my down payment.”
Specific numbers give you something to track. They also make it easier to notice progress.
3. Know Your WHY
When your motivation fades, your WHY brings you back.
Write out why you want each goal.
If your resolution is to buy a home, your WHY might be wanting more space, wanting to build equity, wanting stability for your family, or wanting a home that better fits your daily routine.
If your goal is health related, your WHY might be wanting more energy, confidence, or joy.
Whenever I feel myself slipping, I go back to my WHY and it helps me refocus.
4. Build Habits That Support Your Goals
This is where resolutions become real. Instead of focusing on the big outcome, look at the small habits that move you forward.
A few years ago, I struggled with workouts and kept overcommitting to hour long classes. They took too much time and I would end up canceling. So I made a rule for myself. Move my body every weekday, even if it was only for five minutes. That small commitment helped me build consistency and eventually I began looking forward to longer workouts.
The same idea works for financial or home-related goals.
Goal: Buy a home
Helpful habits:
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Review spending weekly
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Set an automatic transfer into savings
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Meet with a lender early to see exactly where you stand
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Declutter one space per week so you feel ready to move when the time comes
Goal: Improve your living space
Helpful habits:
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Create a simple home maintenance checklist
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Pick one room each month to refresh or declutter
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Review your home equity once or twice a year so you understand your options
Small habits done consistently create long term progress.
5. Put Your Habits Into Your Calendar
This part is key. If you do not schedule your habits, you will not stick to them.
Think about what your goals require and block the time.
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Which workouts will you do and when
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When will you review your budget
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When will you plan meals
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When will you review your home goals or check in with a lender
I use the app Habit to track everything. I enter the habits I want to stick to at the beginning of the year and then log my progress daily. It keeps me accountable and lets me see my streaks and totals, which is surprisingly motivating.
Before Habit, I used to print a weekly habit tracker and put it on my kitchen counter with all of the small tasks that would help me get closer to my goals. Both methods work. Choose whatever feels easiest for you.
6. Get Support From the People Around You
Tell the people in your life what you are working toward and why it matters.
Having someone who can cheer you on or help you stay consistent when your schedule gets busy makes a huge difference. Even one person in your corner can help you stick with your habits, especially on the days you feel tired or discouraged.
7. Track Your Progress and Adjust as Needed
One of the biggest mindset shifts for me came from the book The Gap and The Gain. It taught me to look at the progress I am making each day instead of stressing about how far I have left to go. Forward motion, no matter how small, counts.
Check in with your goals weekly, monthly, or whatever rhythm feels right for you. Ask:
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What worked this week
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What needs adjusting
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What small step can I take today
Do not beat yourself up if you miss a day or need to shift your habits. Progress over perfection.
And make it fun. Create a vision board, add your goals as your laptop background, or put reminders where you will actually see them. I still love the vision board I created in Canva, and I see it every time I open my computer.
I believe in you and know that you can make real progress toward your goals this year. You do not need to be perfect. You just need to start and keep going one day at a time.
Ready to Make Your 2026 Goals Happen
You can also explore the resources below to support your planning:
We are here to support your goals and help make this your best year yet!
Start the New Year Strong with The Goodhart Group
A new year brings fresh energy, new goals, and meaningful opportunities to build a life you love. If one of your resolutions for 2026 includes buying or selling a home, making smart financial decisions, or simply learning more about the Alexandria area, our team would be honored to guide you.
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Get in touch by filling out the form below or reaching out by phone or email.
Sue Goodhart | sue@thegoodhartgroup.com
Allison Goodhart DuShuttle | allison@thegoodhartgroup.com
Phone: 703-362-3221
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