How to stick to your New Year's resolution

I created the Active Life Orthopedics Guides to help the people I can't see in my practice — practical guidance on recovering from orthopedic injuries and conditions — from a triple-board certified orthopedic surgeon — so you can get back to the active life you love. New titles releasing throughout 2026. 📚 Explore the series: amazon.com/stores/Dr.-David-Geier/author/B00HXJ… Millions and millions of people will make a New Year’s resolution this year. But few will stick with it and achieve the goal. Since a lot of people have better health or fitness as their New Year’s resolution, I’m interested in helping them – helping you – achieve your goal.
Here are some easy steps to stick with, and achieve, your New Year’s resolution.

drdavidgeier.com/tips-new-years-resolution
Click the link above for more information about sticking to your New Year's resolution and other resources to stay healthy and perform your best.

Get That Doesn't Have To Hurt FREE!
This eBook offers tips that you can take to avoid injuries and perform your best! Plus, learn tips to keep your children safe in sports.
sportsmedicinesimplified.com/that-doesnt-have-t…

Please note: I don't respond to questions and requests for specific medical advice left in the comments to my videos. I receive too many to keep up (several hundred per week), and legally I can't offer specific medical advice to people who aren't my patients (see below). If you want to ask a question about a specific injury you have, leave it in the comments below, and I might answer it in an upcoming Ask Dr. Geier video. If you need more detailed information on your injury, go to my Resources page: drdavidgeier.com/resources/

The content of this YouTube Channel, youtube.com/user/drdavidgeier (“Channel”) is for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The Channel may offer health, fitness, nutritional and other such information, but such information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. The content does not and is not intended to convey medical advice and does not constitute the practice of medicine. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. You should consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained on this Channel. You agree that Dr. Geier is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented on the Channel. Dr. David Geier Enterprises, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of the content. USE OF THE CONTENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TIP: BE REALISTIC.
As great as losing 100 pounds or running a marathon would be, for many people, it simply isn’t achievable quickly. If you’re obese, aim to lose 20 pounds. When you lose 20, then go for more. If you want to run but you are new to it, shoot for a 10-K instead of a marathon.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TIP: BE SPECIFIC.
Don’t be vague with your resolution. Instead of saying you want to start running, announce that you will run three days a week. Instead of saying you will be more active, decide to walk 10,000 steps per day. Having a clear, measurable goal will help you pursue and achieve it.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TIP: SET INCREMENTAL GOALS TO KEEP YOU GOING.
Set incremental goals and reward yourself for these small wins. If you’re trying to start running, reward yourself at each significant step, such as getting a massage for increasing from 10 to 15 miles a week. Set new rewards for each incremental success.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TIP: POST YOUR LIST SOMEWHERE YOU WILL SEE IT SEVERAL TIMES EACH DAY.
Post your list in a visible place, like a bathroom mirror or the dashboard of your car. Use it as a reminder to yourself of what you are trying to achieve.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TIP: GET AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER.
Use the support and encouragement of a friend or family member. Check in at least weekly, or even daily, to announce your progress. Encourage each other, and push each other when you are falling behind.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TIP: ADD SOMETHING FUN FOR THE FITNESS GOAL YOU DON’T LIKE.
Balance out the pain of the workout with something you like. Maybe you can watch your favorite show while on the treadmill. Or listen to your favorite music while doing your ab workout. Give yourself an incentive to do the work.