Have you heard of the mantra “progress, not perfection”? It’s a mindset that prizes small achievements over ambitious perfection; celebrates everyday wins as milestones that feed motivation; and champions gradual improvement as a more realistic measure of long-term success.

We like that. Let’s learn to accept our failures and use our mistakes as reasons to improve and try again. In the spirit of “progress, not perfection,” we’re going to recast 2026 resolutions as self-improvement goals aimed at mind/body/spirit wellness throughout the new year:

Easy does it: We like the trend toward “soft wellness” and “soft goals.” In other words, a gentler approach to health that focuses on small, sustainable practices. That means things like breathwork, gentle movements (such as stretching), low-impact walking and exercises, and prioritizing rest.

Low and slow: Hey, if it works for barbecue… In the same vein of soft wellness we also embrace slow living. That is an intentional shift from the immediacy of a fast-paced world to a practice of intentional rest, mindful breaks, and accommodating slow and thoughtful days. And let’s not forget that a good night’s sleep does wonders for your physical and mental health.

The digital divide: You don’t have to be an expert to know we spend too much time attached to our smart phones, laptops, tablets, video games and social media. The trend toward adopting some measure of “digital detox” makes sense: Less screen time means more time for real-world experiences and deeper human connections – or simple things such as reading a book, writing a letter to a friend, keeping a journal, or listening to vinyl records. In other words, set some easy digital boundaries by limiting time spent on your devices.

To thine own self: One of the best things you can do for yourself is practice better, gentle, more mindful self-care. That means taking more time for yourself and investing in self-care that not only does the body good but supports mental health and spiritual awakening. One way to start being kinder to yourself is to stop being self-critical. Turn the same empathy you have for others on yourself. You deserve that measure of self-compassion. Remind yourself that what you’re feeling is OK, and that you’re doing the best you can.

In a nutshell, remember that real, lasting change requires incremental changes. So, if you’ve already broken a resolution, do not despair. Reset it as something smaller, doable, and something that brings you joy instead of seeing it as a chore. And remember: you don’t need the start of a new year to enact resolutions and set goals. Every day is an opportunity to make gains for a new, healthier, and more positive you.