Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
How to keep good habits all year long in Birmingham
Reading time: 3 minutes
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It’s the tale as old as time: You have big plans for the New Year with resolutions to wake up earlier and walk around Railroad Park, or take classes at MakeBhm. But then February hits, and all you want to do is hit the snooze button.
Trust me, I’ve been there. And I think the rest of the world has been there, too. But it’s important to know that one “fail” is not a guarantee that you’ll fail again!
We found some advice, thanks to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL), for making manageable goals in 2026 and how you can actually keep them.
First things first: Make SMART goals
It’s good for your mental health to set goals and achieve them, but it’s important that these resolutions are deliberate.
Write your goals down, and make sure they’re SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound.
“To know if they’re reasonable to you, think about if you could have ever done them in your life before, and if you can fit them into your life again now.”
Dr. Ginnie Prater, Medical Director, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Have a support system + accountability partners
The only thing harder than keeping your resolutions is keeping your resolutions that no one else knows about. BCBSAL’s advice: Discuss your goals with family and friends!
If your goal is to exercise more, go to the gym or take a walk with other people. Set specific days you’re going to do something, and meet up with friends to do it together.
If you want to read more, find others to do the same, and start a book club.
Learn new skills and find more ways for you and your friends to get out and about:
Don’t give up on your New Year’s resolutions, Birmingham!
If you don’t hit your goals, know that you’re not alone, and give yourself grace.
“If you don’t get there, it’s okay, as long as you keep doing all the things you need to do to get there. Be kind to yourself.”
Dr. Ginnie Prater, Medical Director, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Maybe try a different approach or take smaller steps to get there. As long as the goal is meaningful to you and allows you to achieve something, then it’s not too small.
And the best part: In Birmingham, you’re surrounded by tons of resources to help you achieve your goals, and great people to help you get there!
Check out some ways to keep trekking on your resolutions:
- Healthy eating spots around Birmingham
- Get a free, 7-minute workout at a Birmingham fitness court
- 8 local bookstores for every reader
What New Year’s resolutions are you making, Birmingham? Find more resources for staying healthy at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
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