Start Today
Every December, there’s a rush of excitement around planning for the new year. It’s a chance to set fresh goals, change habits, and aim for things we’ve always wanted to accomplish. But there’s one problem with the “New Year, New You” mindset: waiting until January 1st might actually work against you. By putting off your resolutions until the new year, you miss out on the momentum you could build by starting in December. Imagine this: by the time January rolls around, you’re already one month into your goals, with habits in place and results beginning to show.
It reminds me of one of my favorite proverbs: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” Right now is always the best time to start something new!
Here’s why starting early is a game-changer, plus some tips on how to kick off a new habit now so you don’t have to wait for the calendar to flip.
Why December is the Best Time to Start
- Avoid the January Overwhelm
January is notorious for its influx of resolutions. Gyms are packed, wellness programs launch en masse, and there’s a lot of social pressure around sticking to new goals. By starting in December, you give yourself time to establish your habits without the crowds or pressure. You’re essentially building your own head start, which studies show can significantly increase your chances of success - Set Yourself Up for Success with Small Wins
Motivation is a tricky thing; it tends to ebb and flow. But research on habit formation highlights that small, consistent wins can strengthen your commitment over time. By starting your goals in December, you’ll have several small victories under your belt by January. Even if your progress is modest, the simple act of starting makes your goal feel achievable, setting you up with the confidence to keep going in the new year. - Build a Foundation, Not a Crash Course
Trying to overhaul your life on January 1 can feel like a crash course in willpower. Often, it leads to burnout as people bite off more than they can chew. Starting now means you’re building a foundation slowly, with time to adjust. Instead of diving in headfirst, you can ease into your goals, making long-term success more likely. According to a study on goal-setting, habits created gradually are more likely to become sustainable, as they allow for adjustment and reinforcement over time
Tips to Kickstart Your Goals Before January
Starting early doesn’t have to mean doing everything at once. In fact, it’s often better to focus on creating a solid foundation with small, manageable steps. Here’s how to start:
1. Define a “Mini” Version of Your Goal
Begin by breaking down your goal into its simplest form. If you want to exercise more, commit to five minutes a day rather than a full workout. Or if you’re hoping to read more, try reading one chapter or even five pages each evening. The key here is consistency; mini-goals make it easy to build momentum without overwhelming yourself.
2. Set Up Visual Reminders
Visual cues are powerful tools for habit formation. Whether it’s a note on your mirror reminding you of your goal, a habit-tracking calendar on your desk, or setting phone reminders, seeing your goal visually throughout the day keeps it top of mind. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that visual reminders enhance accountability and reinforce new habits
3. Embrace the Power of Small Wins
Celebrate each small step as you work toward your goal. Did you complete your five minutes of exercise? Did you choose water over soda? Recognize it! These small wins fuel motivation and help reinforce that the journey is worth it. Positive reinforcement strengthens new behaviors, helping them stick
4. Plan for Barriers, Not Just Successes
I’ve written in a past FriFlex about how setbacks are an inherent part of progress. Life happens, and being prepared for challenges ahead of time is key. Spend a few minutes thinking through potential obstacles and how you’ll handle them. If your goal is to cook more meals at home, what’s your plan for busy nights? Having pre-made options or quick recipes on hand can prevent slipping back into old habits. Studies show that preemptively planning for obstacles helps maintain habits when motivation dips.
5. Track Progress and Reflect Weekly
At the end of each week, take a moment to reflect on your progress. Ask yourself what went well, what felt challenging, and what you could do differently. Journaling or using a simple habit-tracking app can help you see the accumulation of small changes over time, building a sense of accomplishment and direction for the weeks ahead.
Starting Now Builds Momentum
One of the biggest reasons resolutions fizzle out by February is the “all-or-nothing” mentality that surrounds the new year. By starting early, you can build up gradual momentum and avoid this trap. You’ll be entering January with a sense of accomplishment, knowing you’re already on the path rather than starting from scratch. It’s a powerful feeling that reinforces your commitment.
Turning December Into a Month of Growth
If you’re aiming to make meaningful changes in 2025, the best time to start is now. December gives you one more month to build a foundation, test the waters, and make progress without the pressure of an official “start date.” The truth is, every day is an opportunity to make a change. The sooner you start, the further you’ll be by the time the new year begins.
