The First Step to Lasting Change:
As we approach the new year, many of us feel inspired to make meaningful changes—setting fresh goals for our health, fitness, and overall well-being. But while January symbolizes a chance to reset, long-term success requires more than just resolutions. Achieving real change isn’t about waiting for bursts of motivation to strike; it’s about understanding that motivation is something you can cultivate.
The truth is, motivation is not just a fleeting feeling—it’s a process. It’s the intentional creation of energy and focus over time, giving you the mindset, willpower, and clarity needed to pursue your goals. Motivation looks different for everyone, but the good news is that you don’t have to wait for it to show up. You can actively cultivate it.
How to Cultivate Energy and Motivation
With the right strategies, you can generate the energy and focus needed to make lasting progress. Here are four ways to start building motivation now, so you can hit the ground running when January arrives:
- Set Small, Achievable Goals
- Instead of overwhelming yourself with big resolutions, break them into smaller, manageable steps. If you plan to get fit, start with a goal like walking 20 minutes a day or going to the gym twice a week. Each small success builds momentum, creating a sense of accomplishment that keeps you moving forward.
- Establish a Consistent Routine
- Motivation often follows action, not the other way around. Commit to a routine now, even if it’s small—like a morning walk or evening stretch session—so it becomes a habit by the time the new year begins. A consistent routine requires less mental effort over time, helping you stay on track when life gets busy.
- Surround Yourself with Positive Support
- Community matters. Find friends, classes, or workout groups to join in the new year. Surrounding yourself with people who encourage your efforts will increase accountability and make the process more enjoyable. Group fitness classes like Zumba or spin sessions can give you both fun and support.
- Track Progress with Measurable Goals
- In addition to activities you enjoy, choose something measurable—like lifting heavier weights, improving your running speed, or tracking steps per day. Having concrete metrics helps you stay focused and gives you tangible proof of progress, reinforcing your motivation along the way.
Start Now: Don’t Wait for January
When it comes to making meaningful change, the hardest part is often taking the first step. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the things we think we should do—manage stress, eat healthier, choose the right workout program, and more. But waiting for the “perfect time” to start is a trap.
The best way to pave the way for success in January is to start moving now. Go for a walk, hit the gym, or try a fitness class. The act of exercising, no matter how small, will create the energy you need to stay focused and build momentum.
Lay the Foundation for Success
By starting now, you’ll enter the new year already in motion, with some habits established and the confidence to take on bigger goals. Find activities you enjoy, but also mix in exercises that offer measurable progress—like strength training or tracking personal records. Having both enjoyment and structure is key to staying engaged long-term.
This December, don’t wait for January 1st to make your move. Start with something simple—exercise. Once you take that first step, the energy and motivation to tackle other areas of your health and fitness will follow. The new year is around the corner—start cultivating your energy now, and you’ll be ready to thrive when it arrives.
Gerard Brennen
*Written by Gerard Brennen, General Manager at Active Wellness Center Kruse Woods.
Team Active content is not medical advice; it’s inspiration to LIVE ACTIVELY. Operating five Active Wellness Centers in California and Oregon, we strategically partner with hospital systems like Providence in Petaluma and Napa, California as well as Lake Oswego and Hillsboro, Oregon. Active Wellness Center at NorthBay Health is powered by NorthBay Health in Vacaville, California.
Active’s strategic healthcare partnerships demonstrate our commitment to supporting healthy lifestyles in the communities we serve. Our community health clubs and gyms provide motivating fitness, weight loss, strength-training, medical fitness, aquatics and swim lessons, youth fitness and childcare programs, and group fitness including yoga, Zumba®, barre, Pilates, dance and cycling.
Check the Active Wellness Center blog often for more healthy lifestyle tips and resources to support your active lifestyle! Click here for a free guest pass to your local Active Wellness Center. *Active Wellness Center’s program and facility offerings may vary by location.