9 Simple Ways to Stick to Your Health Goals in 2026

Setting health goals is easy. Sticking to them is the hard part.

Mosaic asked members of our Behavioral Health team to share their best tips for staying on track in 2026. Here are their top ideas for building healthy habits that last.

1. Love Your Future Self

Thinking about your future self can help you make better choices today.

“Visualize your future self as clearly as you can and imagine that your current action is kind and giving toward that future self. Research shows this can motivate people to make better long-term choices, like saving more for retirement.”
— Kathryn, Behavioral Health Consultant

2. Use “If, Then” Plans When Motivation Is Low

Simple plans can help turn intention into action.

“When I’m feeling lazy, I use the ‘if, then’ tactic. For example, I’ll think, ‘If this episode ends, then I’ll go work out.’ When it inevitably does, I feel more motivated to get moving.” 
— Morgan, Behavioral Health Navigator

Read more about the “If, Then” motivation strategy. 

3. Anchor Small Habits to What You Already Do

Big change often starts with small, repeatable actions.

“Focus on sustainable health and life changes by anchoring small, repeatable behaviors to existing routines, rather than relying on motivation or outcome goals.”
— Sierra, Behavioral Health Consultant

4. Let “Should” Be Your Signal to Act

Instead of overthinking, try acting right away.

“I’ve trained myself to use ‘should’ as a trigger word and pair it with immediate action. When I catch myself thinking, ‘I should do the dishes,’ I go do it without overthinking. It took practice and commitment to get past procrastination, but it’s been very useful.”
— Craig, Behavioral Health Consultant

5. Start So Small You Can’t Fail

When motivation is low, lower the bar.

“I’ve used BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits method before. He says when motivation is low, the task should be so small it can be done without motivation. Want to journal? Write one word.”

“That’s what I did when my goal was to run every day. I put on my shoes, walked out the door, and called it a win. If I did more, great. If not, also great. I ended up completing a four-hundred-day running streak.”
— Craig, Behavioral Health Consultant

6. Set Intentions Instead of Resolutions

Intentions allow room for growth and learning.

“Every New Year, I set intentions instead of resolutions. For example, I might focus on growth. That can show up in small, imperfect ways—being more curious than critical, learning from mistakes, trying new things and measuring progress by effort instead of outcomes.”
— Karlee, Behavioral Health Consultant

7. Time the Tasks You Avoid

Some tasks feel bigger than they really are.

“One thing I like is timing something I ‘should’ do but dread, like putting clothes away. When I see it only takes five minutes, it’s easier to do the next time.”
— Camelia, Behavioral Health Consultant

8. Make Healthy Choices Easier

Your environment can support your goals.

“If you want to increase a behavior, make it easy—pack healthy foods or carry a water bottle, for example. If you want to decrease a behavior, make it hard—such as not keeping junk food in the house.”
— Jessica, Behavioral Health Manager

9. Think Long-Term and Be Kind to Yourself

Lasting change takes time and compassion.

“I see health as a lifestyle change. It didn’t take a short time to build habits, so it won’t take a short time to change them. I pair tasks with music or podcasts to make them more enjoyable and break big goals into smaller ones.”

“I’m a firm believer in self-compassion. Humans are perfectly imperfect. I reflect on what went well and what didn’t, because both help me get closer to my future self.”
— Elizabeth, Behavioral Health Consultant

A Gentle Start to 2026

Building healthy habits doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Small steps, taken with care and consistency, can add up over time.

As you move through 2026, remember that progress looks different for everyone. Be patient with yourself, notice what works and keep showing up in ways that feel kind and doable.

And if you ever need extra support, Mosaic’s Behavioral Health team is here to help. Call for an appointment and meet our behavioral health providers.