Stay positive

What type of resolution sounds like it would lead to worthwhile lifestyle change? One that’s punitive or restrictive, which sets you up for failure and leaves you ashamed when you inevitably break its rules? Or one that encourages you to crowd out bad habits with newfound hobbies and offers you grace when you slip up?

Wanke said a positive approach, unsurprisingly, tends to lead to more joyful and healthy outcomes.

“If you’re eating broccoli all day but you’re miserable, your general health is still suffering,” she said. “You want to be mindful of your health, but you don’t have to be perfect.”

For her part, Joseph said she’s setting resolutions that encourage gratitude and deeper relationships.

“What are your values? It probably encompasses a lot more than your appearance,” she said.

And remember to hold on to optimism as the year unfolds, advised Dusseau.

Planning out rest days and treats can help alleviate guilt or the feeling that you’ve failed your resolution, she said. Treat a tough workout as a signal your body is changing, and not as a sign of defeat. And take every cigarette slip-up, late-night pizza or missed gym session as an opportunity to devise a plan to avoid that trap in the future.

“People almost think they have to wait for January again,” Dusseau said. “Everybody loves the idea of starting over. Any day of the year you can start over.”