Every January it starts the same way. The diary is fresh, the gym is suddenly very busy, and the words “this is my year” are said with genuine conviction. And then… life happens. If you’ve ever set a New Year’s resolution with the very best intentions, only to quietly abandon it a few weeks later, I want you to know this straight away: you’re not broken, you’re not unmotivated, and you’re definitely not alone. For many women, especially in midlife, the problem isn’t effort or discipline — it’s that New Year’s resolutions are rarely designed to support sustainable, long-term health.

Most New Year’s resolutions focus on fixing something. Eat less. Exercise more. Lose weight. Be better this year. They’re usually short-term, behaviour-focused, and rely heavily on willpower. While that might work briefly, it often feels exhausting and restrictive, particularly for women navigating the menopause transition. Hormonal changes, disrupted sleep, slower recovery, and higher stress loads mean that what worked in our 30s doesn’t always work in our 50s — and that’s not failure, it’s physiology.

I see this pattern often. A woman starts the year motivated and organised. The plan is written, the supplements are purchased, the pantry is cleared out. Then a poor night’s sleep hits, work gets busy, stress ramps up, or the body simply doesn’t respond the way it used to. The familiar thought creeps in: “I’ve blown it now.” And just like that, the resolution fades away, taking confidence with it. This cycle is incredibly common, and it’s one of the reasons New Year’s resolutions so often fail to create lasting change.

This is where a vision comes in. A health vision is not a set of rules or a rigid plan. It’s not about perfection, punishment, or fixing what’s wrong. A vision is about who you are becoming and how you want to live, not just this year, but for the years ahead. Instead of a short-term goal with an end date, a vision acts as a long-term guide — a direction rather than a deadline.

The difference between a resolution and a vision is subtle but powerful. A resolution might say “I will lose 10 kilos” or “I’ll cut out sugar.” A vision sounds more like “I want to feel strong, energised, and confident in my body for the next 20 years” or “I want food and movement to support my hormones, sleep, and bone health.” One approach feels tight and pressure-filled. The other feels supportive, flexible, and sustainable.

This matters because sustainable health changes in midlife require flexibility. With a vision, a challenging week doesn’t equal failure. Instead of asking “Did I mess this up?” the question becomes “Does this choice move me closer to my vision, or further away?” A vision also evolves as you do. Your priorities at 55 may be very different from those at 35, and that’s not a problem — it’s wisdom. For many women in midlife, their health vision includes strength, strong bones, good sleep, steady energy, and staying active, capable, and independent as they age. These are long-term outcomes, and they deserve a long-term approach.

Creating a health vision doesn’t need to be complicated. You don’t need perfect wording or a beautifully designed vision board. Start by reflecting on a few simple questions: how do I want to feel in my body in five or ten years? What do I want my body to be able to do? What kind of relationship do I want with food, movement, and rest at this stage of life? What does “healthy” actually mean to me now? You might write a short paragraph, jot down a few notes, or revisit it over time. A vision is allowed to change — just like you are.

If New Year’s resolutions have left you feeling frustrated in the past, consider this your permission slip to try something kinder. You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight, be perfect, or add more pressure to an already full life. Small, consistent choices, aligned with a clear and meaningful vision, are what create real, lasting change. Not just for this year, but for the long, strong, healthy future you’re building.

If the idea of creating a vision instead of another New Year’s resolution resonates with you, take a moment to write yours down — even a few sentences can give you clarity and direction for your health, energy, and strength through midlife. If you’d like support bringing that vision to life, I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me directly and we can explore how to make your vision a reality.