Setting Achievable Health Goals in 2025

As 2024 winds down and the excitement of a new year approaches, many of us begin to think about New Year’s resolutions. Getting healthier often tops the list, with 79% of adults resolving to lose weight, eat better, exercise more, or improve another aspect of their health. 

Yet, it’s no secret that most resolutions don’t stick. In fact, research shows that 92% of people give up on their resolutions, with 23% of them quitting before the second week of January. 

But that doesn’t mean your health goals are doomed to fail. The secret to success lies in how you set those goals. Here’s how to make your 2025 health goals both achievable and long-lasting.

1. Start with a Wellness Exam 

If you haven’t scheduled your annual wellness exam yet, make that the first resolution on your list. A lot of people skip check-ups unless they’re feeling sick, but wellness exams are an opportunity to identify any early signs of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol so you can ward off bigger health issues down the road. 

Plus, wellness exams ensure you stay up to date on screenings like mammograms or prostate exams and vaccinations.

You can schedule your appointment with your Innovista Medical Center provider of choice right here or by calling 866-325-0301.

2. Set Positive, Action-Oriented Goals

A large-scale experiment found that 55% of people who set approach-oriented goals were more likely to stick with their resolutions than those who set avoidance-oriented goals. 

Approach-oriented goals focus on what you want to achieve, such as eating healthier or running a 5k. Avoidance-oriented goals focus on what you want to avoid, like not eating junk food or skipping workouts.

So, instead of saying "I want to stop eating junk food," try framing your goal more positively, like "I want to eat more fruits and vegetables." This shift makes the goal feel more motivating and achievable, increasing your chances of success.

3. Make Your Goals Specific and Measurable

Vague goals are hard to stick to because there’s no clear path to follow. Instead of saying, “I want to get healthier,” make your goals more specific. For example:

• “I’ll exercise for 30 minutes, four times a week.”
• “I’ll eat five servings of vegetables every day.”
• “I’ll drink eight glasses of water a day.”

These goals are specific, measurable, and simple to track. The more clearly you define your goal, the easier it will be to stay the course and celebrate your progress. Plus, having clear targets keeps you motivated and gives you something concrete to work toward.

4. Avoid Overwhelming Yourself

While setting big goals can feel motivating at first, they can also feel overwhelming. If you’re new to exercise, for example, don’t commit to a daily gym routine just yet. Instead, aim for a 15-minute walk three times a week. Once that becomes a habit, you can gradually increase your time or frequency.

The same goes for diet. Instead of overhauling your entire diet overnight, start by making small, manageable changes. Begin by adding one serving of vegetables to your meals each day. Once that becomes routine, add another healthy habit, like drinking more water or cutting back on junk food. 

Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. By breaking down your larger health goals into bite-sized tasks, you make them more achievable and less stressful.

5. Progress Over Perfection

Remember that health goals are a marathon, not a sprint, and no one is perfect. You might miss a workout, indulge in a treat, or fall off track now and then, but don’t let these slip-ups stop you. The key is to stay flexible and get back on track as soon as possible.

Recognize the setback and move forward. Perfection is impossible. What’s more important is sticking to your goals over time. Be kind to yourself and remember that health is a long-term journey.

6. Track Your Progress and Celebrate Your Wins

One of the best ways to stay motivated is by celebrating the small wins along the way. Whether it’s completing your first week of workouts or making healthier snack choices, these small victories count. 

To help track and celebrate your progress, consider keeping a simple journal, using a tracking app, or even sharing your progress on social media. 

We’re Here to Support You

As you set out to improve your health in 2025, remember that Innovista Medical Center is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you're scheduling that important wellness exam or want help setting realistic health goals, our team is ready to support your efforts and provide the care you need. 

Together, we can turn your health resolutions into lasting habits and create a healthier, happier you in the year ahead!