New Year, New You?
- meganwellwellwell
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 18
It’s a new year, and with that comes the urge to set big, bold goals. You might be thinking, This is the year I’m going to work out every day, eat perfectly, and crush every single goal. But let’s pause for a moment. While intense efforts can feel exciting and full of promise, they’re often not the key to long-term success. Intensity is easier than consistency, and if you want results that truly last, consistency is where you need to focus.
Why Intensity Feels Easier
Intensity gives you that quick rush. It’s the high-energy workout where you feel unstoppable or the super-clean eating streak that makes you feel like you’ve got it all figured out. And let’s be honest, intensity can be exciting and rewarding in the moment.
Why does intensity grab our attention?
It’s noticeable: Big efforts are obvious, and we love getting that immediate validation.
It’s motivating: A new challenge or big push can feel inspiring and full of potential.
It’s short-lived: Intensity doesn’t require the same long-term commitment—and that’s what makes it feel doable (for a while).
But here’s the catch: after that intense burst, it’s easy to feel drained, overwhelmed, or even defeated when life gets busy, or motivation fades.
Consistency: The Key to Long-Term Success
Consistency, on the other hand, might not feel as glamorous, but it’s where real progress happens. It’s showing up for yourself in small, meaningful ways every day or week, even when it doesn’t feel exciting. This steady approach helps you build habits that stick and leads to real transformation over time.
Why is consistency so powerful?
It creates habits: Repeating small actions helps them become part of your routine—no willpower required.
It adds up: Tiny, consistent efforts compound into big changes. It’s like planting seeds and watching a garden grow.
It’s sustainable: You’re more likely to stick with something that fits into your life instead of disrupting it.
Why Intensity Alone Doesn’t Work
Let’s say you dive into a new workout program and go all out for a week—daily sweat sessions, pushing hard every time. By the second week, you’re exhausted, sore, and maybe even a little frustrated. It’s hard to keep that level of effort up long-term.
Now imagine you take a consistent approach: committing to three moderate workouts a week that fit your schedule and energy level. Over time, you get stronger, feel better, and actually enjoy the process. By the end of the year, your steady efforts have paid off—not because you went all-in for a short time, but because you stayed the course.
How to Prioritize Consistency Over Intensity
Start Small: Focus on what feels manageable right now. Maybe it’s adding a short walk to your day or prepping one healthy meal a week.
Celebrate Imperfection: Progress doesn’t have to be perfect. Showing up, even when it’s not ideal, is what matters most.
Build on Routines: Pair new habits with things you’re already doing—like drinking water with your morning coffee or doing stretches before bed.
Track Your Wins: Keep a simple journal or use an app to see how far you’ve come. Even small wins deserve celebration!
Use Intensity Sparingly: Intensity has its place, but think of it as a bonus, not the foundation. Use it when you’re feeling motivated, but don’t rely on it alone.
A Friendly Reminder
As we continue in the new year, remember that it’s not about setting intense, unachievable goals that fizzle out by February. Instead, focus on showing up consistently in ways that align with your life and your priorities.
If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or 50s and balancing a full plate—work, family, and all the other things life throws your way—know that you don’t have to do it all at once. Success doesn’t come from going hard for a week or a month; it comes from showing up for yourself consistently over time.
So give yourself some grace, start where you are, and trust that small, steady steps will take you exactly where you want to go.
If a collaborative coach with expertise to get you to your goals, as well as the mindset strategies to help them stick without extremes sounds like something you'd like to consider--click here!
You’ve got this—one day, one step, one choice at a time. 💪
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