It’s that time; people make big plans for what they want to accomplish in the new year. Often those resolutions are physically based: weight loss and movement (i.e going to the gym or morning runs) are big ones! But there are others, of course. With us being just a week and a half into 2025, I think it is time to look at ways you and I can be most successful. 

According to Aish.com, “…roughly 80% (of people who make resolutions) will abandon them before February. While conventional wisdom blames this failure on a variety of reasons,…Jewish teachings offer a more profound explanation: we all possess a fundamental split desire.” 

People ultimately choose good, pleasurable things. Where the problems come in is that people have two opposing thoughts. The need for instant gratification and the desire for long-term fulfillment. Eating a delicious, crunchy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside, New York bagel (you can see where my weakness lies) vs. fitting into those smaller-sized jeans. A bite of a sweet, glazed donut vs. being able to zip up the bridesmaid’s dress. A puff on a cigarette (not my thing) vs. being smokefree for a year and counting. 

The article continues, “when you pledge to exercise more, you sincerely desire the lasting benefits of good health, but you simultaneously want the enjoyment of eating a large piece of chocolate cake or the comfort of staying in bed for an extra hour, instead of working out.”

The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, offered some ideas to help people stick to their goals. Chabad.org lists his ideas and while they were meant for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, remember that it is never too late to take that first step.

Make small, attainable goals

Don’t begin with, “I will drop four sizes by June.” While commendable and a worthy goal, it is big and might feel quite daunting to even start. Try, “I will walk 2,000 more steps a day” or “I will eat one more green leafy vegetable at each meal.” These are small steps but attainable. They are also measurable. And with each little goal’s success, you get that much closer to your ultimate goal.

Specificity

Again with the example, “I will drop four sizes by June,” it isn’t quite as specific as adding a set number of steps or a specific food. It’s too big to have the power that setting small, measurable goals has. “I will say the Shema every night before I go to sleep for one week.” It is small, it is measurable, it is doable. And the idea is that with small attainable goals, you are more likely to make them an everyday thing.

Make them public

Finally, a good use of social media! While confiding in your spouse or kids or best friend is a great way to ensure accountability, think about what posting on social media will do. Because, everyone knows that social media is the town square of the 21st century. If you say you are going to do something and you post about it, everyone in your feed will be asking you about it. Most will even be rooting for you!

No time like the present

Why wait? Why wait for a special occasion to make positive changes to your health? Why wait until tomorrow to do what you can today?

One day at a time

I loved that show! A single mom, raising her two teenage daughters with the help and advice of friends and her super. If there was ever a great description of how she kept it all together, it is the title of the show. But this also applies to your resolutions. Small, measurable steps. Think about what you are going to do today. Don’t focus on a slip up from yesterday or plan what will happen tomorrow. Today is all you have. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn’t promised, focus on today. The Jewish concept of living with purpose: take immediate action and don’t wait even a minute to do a mitzvah. 

Rabbi Yehuda L Ceitlin from the Tucson Chabad says, “as the Rebbe taught, when you take upon yourself a good decision, even if you don’t necessarily see how it will naturally happen, G‑d grants you additional energies to take you across the finish line.”

May G-d give us all the willpower to sustain our resolutions and may He safeguard the hostages still being held; keep them safe until they can be rescued.

Shabbat Shalom. 

Pam Morris is the director of the Early Learning Center at the East Valley JCC in Chandler. 

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