Why most resolutions fail by February (and how you'll win in 2026)

As we approach 2026, the noise is getting louder. You know the script: "New Year, New You," "Detox January," and "Transformation Challenges."

But if you are reading this, you’ve probably seen enough New Years come and go to know that relying on a sudden burst of motivation rarely works.

At GetFit4Life, I don't deal in flash-in-the-pan fads. I deal in longevity. I deal in making you stronger, healthier, and more confident for the long haul.

As a Behaviour Change Coach, I often see clients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who feel they’ve "failed" at fitness in the past. The truth is, you didn't fail. Your system failed.

It’s not just about moving more, it’s about moving smartly.

Medical guidelines consistently show that resistance training is crucial as we age to combat sarcopenia (muscle loss), protect joint resilience, and boost metabolic health.

Building these strength habits now is the best pension you can invest in for your future independence.

Drawing on the latest science of habit formation, including principles from experts like James Clear, here is how I approach your health differently in 2026.

1. Shift your identity, not just your weight

Most people start with an outcome: "I want to lose 10kg." The problem? Once the weight is gone (or if the scale doesn't move fast enough), the motivation evaporates.

In 2026, I am flipping the script. I am focusing on Identity.

Behavioural psychology tells us that lasting change happens when it becomes part of who we are. Instead of saying "I need to go to the gym to burn off dinner," we start saying "I am the type of person who builds strength."

Every time you come to my private gym in Exeter, you are casting a vote for that identity. You aren't just lifting a weight, you are proving to yourself that you prioritise your body’s long-term resilience.

This shift is much easier in a private environment. Without the intimidation of a crowded commercial gym, you are free to focus entirely on becoming that stronger version of yourself.

2. The "two-minute rule" (consistency over intensity)

One of the biggest mistakes I see new clients make is trying to undo 20 years of inactivity in 2 weeks. They  "push too hard too fast" get sore, get injured, or get overwhelmed.

Consistency is the mother of all results.

Research on habit formation suggests that the frequency of an action matters more than the duration when you are starting out.

If you are struggling to get started, use the Two-Minute Rule. Make the habit so easy you can't say no.

• Don't worry about doing a perfect hour-long strength session at home.
• Do commit to just putting on your trainers and doing 2 minutes of bodyweight squats.

Once you’ve started, it’s easier to keep going. But you must master the art of showing up before you can master the art of the workout.

3. Reduce the scope, stick to the schedule

Life happens. Work gets busy, family needs you, or your energy levels dip. In the past, this might have been the moment you threw in the towel and said, "I'll start again Monday."

Here is the rule for 2026: Reduce the scope, but stick to the schedule.

If you can't do your full programme, don't do nothing. Do something.

• Can't make the full hour? Give me 20 minutes.
• Back aching? I’ll switch from heavy lifting to specific mobility work to relieve the pain.

The goal is to never put up a "zero." A short workout maintains the neural pathway of the habit, ensuring that you’re still in the game when your schedule clears up.

4. Design your environment for success

Willpower is a finite resource, and by the time you hit 5pm, it’s usually running on empty. That is why relying on willpower is a bad strategy. Instead, rely on Environment Design.

This is exactly why I operate in a private, distraction-free gym.

For many over 40, the commercial gym environment is the biggest friction point. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it can be anxiety-inducing. By removing those environmental stressors, I remove the barrier to entry. You walk in, it’s just us, and we get to work.

You can apply this at home, too:

• Want to improve nutrition? Don't buy the biscuits. If they aren't in the cupboard, you can't eat them when you're stressed.
• Want to fix that lower back ache? Leave your foam roller in the middle of the living room floor, not in the cupboard under the stairs. Make the good habits obvious and the bad habits invisible.

5. Habit stacking for longevity

I often talk about "finding time" for fitness, but it’s often easier to "piggyback" fitness onto things you already do. This is called Habit Stacking.

Small, repeated actions are particularly effective for older adults looking to maintain mobility without overwhelming their routine.

• “After I brush my teeth, I will do 60 seconds of single-leg stands for my balance.”
• “After I put the kettle on, I will do 5 kitchen-counter push-ups.”

These tiny actions compound over months and years. They are the difference between becoming frail and staying robust, independent, and capable.

Your 2026 plan starts now

You don't need to wait for January 1st to start building the identity of a healthy, strong person.

If you are ready to stop guessing and start building a system that works, let’s have a chat. We can build a plan specifically designed to reduce your back pain, help you lose fat without extreme measures, and keep you strong well into your future.

Click Here to Schedule Your Free Consultation