What A Health Coach Does To Make Lasting Changes In The New Year

New Year's resolutions have a reputation for being overwhelming and unsustainable. Whether it's because our expectations are unrealistic or our motivations are misaligned, we often forget our resolutions by the end of the year. To break that pattern, mbg consulted meditation instructor and certified health coach Pilin Anice.

While Anice is giving herself space to stay connected to her existing practices, like daily meditation and yoga, she's not setting any new resolutions for herself just yet. "I'm really just flowing," she tells mbg. As many of us learned in the past few years, plans can change, and we have to be willing to go with the flow. 

Plenty of people set out to form new habits out of motivation, but according to Anice, inspiration should come first. It doesn't take a silent retreat, a surreal vacation, or even hitting rock-bottom for inspiration to strike. Those aha moments can occur in the ordinary—it just takes reflection. 

Unplugging from external distractions can nurture the space to find your purpose, she explains. Journal, create vision boards, or simply sit quietly with yourself and see what comes to mind. 

After finding your inspiration, determine how often you want to engage in that practice: daily, weekly, biweekly, etc., then schedule it in. "If you don't schedule something, you're not going to do it," she says. These moments are not just about sticking to goals, they're about creating joy for yourself, so don't limit your capabilities from the get-go. 

Some days may require rest, stillness, and even a bit of indulgence. If you lose track of your goals, be gentle with yourself first. "That's going to happen. It takes time to build new habits," Anice assures us. 

If you find yourself regressing constantly or struggling to stick to your goals, accountability can make a huge difference. Seek help from a health coach, a friend, or a like-minded group who can support you on your journey.