The key to sticking with your goals and resolutions.
February 12, 2026
As a new year begins, many of us feel a familiar surge of motivation. January brings a sense of renewal that inspires us to set goals and imagine meaningful changes in our lives. We promise ourselves that this will be the year we finally follow through.
That initial burst of energy can feel powerful. But as weeks pass, motivation often fades, and many people find themselves slipping back into old patterns. The desire for change is there, but motivation alone isn’t always enough to carry us forward or sustain progress over time.
Time to make a plan.
When we decide to make a change, the next logical step is usually creating a plan. We gather tools and set intentions. Someone hoping to practice more mindfulness might buy a new journal, carve out time for reflection, research mindfulness practices, or download a meditation app. On paper, everything looks right: the motivation is strong, the plan is thoughtful, and the commitment feels real. Yet even with preparation, many of us struggle to stay consistent.
Upon reflecting on his New Year’s resolutions, McCall Digital Marketing Manager Joshua Licursi, MPH shares, “We may stick with the new habit for a few weeks, maybe even a couple of months, before slowly drifting away. When that happens, I feel frustrated, blame myself, and wonder why something that seemed simple feels so hard.”
The missing piece.
What’s often missing isn’t willpower or discipline, it’s connection. The plans we make for ourselves are often designed for us to complete alone. There’s no teacher, coach, group, or professional built into the process. When we try to tackle meaningful goals, especially those related to mental health or substance use, on our own, we unintentionally set ourselves up for struggle. Humans are wired for connection, and change is rarely a solo journey.
Viewing support as a strategy.
One of the most effective ways to support lasting change is to invite others into your goals. If you want to be more active this year, consider joining a fitness class or finding a group to work out with instead of going it alone. If you’re hoping to reduce your drinking, relying solely on motivation and willpower can feel isolating. Joining a support group or reaching out to a treatment provider like McCall can open the door to guidance and a real roadmap to healing.
“Being a part of a group offers accountability, shared experience, and encouragement from others,” adds Joshua. “This can be the push you need to keep moving forward when motivation runs low.”
When we reframe support as a strategy rather than a weakness, everything changes. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’re approaching your goals realistically and sustainably.
Whatever goals you’re pursuing this year, connection may be the missing piece you need to succeed. Make 2026 the year you take meaningful steps toward your goals. McCall’s outpatient programs can provide the guidance you need for healing and recovery. Call 860.496.2100 or visit mccallbhn.org. Stay connected and learn about our support groups by following mccall.bhn on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
Learn more on WZBG
Miss the interview? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Joshua Licursi, MPH, McCall’s Digital Marketing Manager, shares his personal experience with falling short of his goals and explains how connection ultimately made the difference.
Click on the image to listen to the full FM 97.3 WZBG interview.
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