Set 2026 health resolutions realistically to have higher chances of success
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,1…welcome to 2026! As I get older, life seems to be passing by much more quickly — it feels like it was summer just yesterday! In November, we talked about gratitude. In December, we talked about giving back. In January, we typically make plans and set intentions for the coming year and hope for health, wealth, and happiness. The goal is a life that is balanced and fulfilling.
It seems natural to create resolutions and plans for the new year and future. It is also natural to create lofty goals because we feel that we need to take drastic action and transform from fat to skinny, go from high cholesterol to healthy levels, or convert ourselves from “wimpy” to Arnold Schwarzenegger. I am not sure about you, but I’m already sweating — and not from the workout I need to be doing or the health changes that I should make — but from anxiety!
It is human for people to overestimate their abilities and create goals that are not realistic. They do sound good. Everyone wants to be smarter, prettier, healthier or more motivated. One of the flaws is our lack of self-love and confidence. This leads to “what if” statements and excuses. Success in health and life starts with confidence and self-worth, or the ability to believe in ourselves. Hopefully, that comes with getting older, increased self-knowledge, and becoming a little more forgiving of ourselves.
Many of the setbacks we have with resolutions include overdoing it and hurting ourselves somehow, or creating some other kind of health problem. If you have health issues, it is best to consult your primary care provider about what you can safely do.
There are also programs designed to help those who have health limitations. Angel Medical Center’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab program is designed to help people after heart attacks and cardiac diagnoses, as well as those with pulmonary issues like congestive heart failure. There are also trainers who specialize in helping you create healthy milestones to aim for, to limit the possibility of harm. Ask your provider if you qualify for this program and inquire about a referral.
Sometimes our will power and motivation wane over time, especially if our resolutions were too lofty or unrealistic. Example: I may feel full, but there always seems to be a special place for desserts and I’m somehow able to fit them in. It’s all too easy to stumble, weaken, and indulge in that cake, especially when I’m tired or stressed. There are many examples of situations where something stressful, large or small, hits us and the healthy intention goes out the window. After that first stumble, it becomes harder to get back on track. Again, we’re human, so a more realistic approach is to climb back on the horse again — all is not lost if you just re-commit to your goal and give yourself some compassion.
One important suggestion I have for the new year is to start planning your healthcare now. Take responsibility for your annual visits, wellness care, and health knowledge. Read up to learn more about any conditions you’re living with, and don’t hesitate to start a conversation with your provider.
Just like a New Year’s resolution, if you create a plan now and pace yourself, you’re more likely to keep up with making and going to your needed appointments, scheduling your screenings, and making sure you fit in that all-important annual wellness exam. If you delay and try to do everything at once, it can end up being costly and burdensome, which is discouraging and makes you more likely to lose sight of or abandon the crucial steps you must take to care for your overall health.
I look forward to a great 2026. We are blessed to live in this wonderful community, and we need to continue to focus on reaching out to those in need and seeking out opportunities to make a difference for our own self-care, as well in the lives of others.
Clint Kendall, FACHE, MBA, MSN, BSN, RN, is Chief Executive Officer/Chief Nursing Officer of Angel Medical Center. He started his career as a nurse, and that perspective still informs his work and passion for the patient experience. Clint holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Nursing, and Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University. Clint has also earned the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) certification, and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), and the American Nurses Association (ANA).