January is the month of big declarations: new diets, new routines, new lives. But by February, many of those sweeping resolutions quietly fade. This year, what if we tried something different?

Behavioral science shows that small changes stick better than big ones. When goals feel achievable, our brains are more likely to follow through. Research on habit formation shows that consistency matters far more than intensity; doing something small every day builds stronger neural pathways than doing something “perfect” once in a while. In other words, momentum beats motivation.

So what does “small but mighty” look like in real life? It might be adding one extra glass of water to your day, taking a 10-minute walk after meals, or focusing on one nourishing habit before trying to fix everything at once. These micro-shifts reduce stress on the nervous system and lower decision fatigue – two major reasons resolutions fail.

Another reason step-changes work: they create quick wins. Each small success releases dopamine which reinforces the behavior and makes you more likely to repeat it. Over time, those small wins compound. A daily 5-minute habit can quietly turn into a lifestyle shift, without the burnout or guilt that often comes with “all-or-nothing” thinking.

As we step into the new year, consider asking a gentler question: What’s the smallest change I could make that would have the biggest positive ripple effect?  This year, let’s build habits that last by starting small and letting the results grow.

A Simple Checklist for Building YOUR 2026 Step Changes

When choosing small changes, ask yourself:

• Can I do this on my busiest day?
• Does this add something helpful, rather than just take something away?
• Is this specific enough that I know exactly when and how I’ll do it?
• Will this reduce stress, not add to it?
• Could I imagine doing this consistently for the next few months?

(If it feels almost too small, you’re probably on the right track!)