New Year’s Resolutions- Consistency, not intensity Published Jan. 28, 2026 By Rachael Ferguson 88 ABW/PA WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- As the calendar continues to turn, we find ourselves nearly through the first month of the year. The New Year is traditionally a season of reflection and renewal—a time when, as a society, we pause to set intentions and commit to positive change through resolutions. Webster’s Dictionary defines a New Year’s resolution as “a promise to do something differently in the new year.” Most of us have made one at some point, often centered around familiar goals such as losing weight, increasing physical activity, or making healthier nutrition choices. At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, civilian employees have access to year-round resources designed to support those goals and more through the Civilian Health Promotion Services Program. The CHPS team, led by Sarah Cramer, health promotion coordinator, offers a variety of programs focused on overall wellness, including health screenings, cardiac risk profile testing, blood pressure screenings, InBody composition analysis, Bod Pod body composition testing and Observ facial skin analysis. Cramer said CHPS intentionally shapes its initiatives around common New Year’s resolution trends to better support the Wright-Patt workforce. In addition to in-person services, CHPS offers online workshops, monthly initiatives, wellness challenges, and a portal for civilians to track their progress over time. “When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, motivation alone is often not enough,” Cramer said. “About 80% of resolutions are abandoned by February. Motivation is high at the start of the year, but it fades as routines change and life gets busy.” Rather than setting broad goals, Cramer encourages individuals to focus on specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals. “The key is consistency, not intensity. Sustainable change comes from small steps repeated over time.” Cramer noted. Cramer shared one personal habit that has made a difference for her personally. “I take a 10 to 15-minute walk after lunch every day,” she said. “It builds naturally onto an existing habit, and over time, the simple routine can make a meaningful impact on long-term health.” Cramer emphasized the importance of finding what works best for each individual’s life, schedule, and goals. Simple strategies might include parking farther from the building, setting reminders to step away from the desk each hour, taking water breaks, choosing the stairs, or turning a seated meeting into a walking meeting. “The key is being intentional and consistent,” Cramer said. Amanda Austin, reunions and memorial park manager at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, has been using CHPS services for several years and credits the program for helping her stay accountable. “I established my baseline years ago through CHPS, and every three months I go for an InBody scan,” Austin said. “The scans help me stay accountable, track real progress beyond just weight, and make informed decisions about my health and fitness.” Austin also participates in CHPS webinars to support goal-setting and maintain a focus on long-term wellness. Whatever your goal this year—whether related to fitness, nutrition, sleep, or even financial well-being—CHPS is ready to help. More information is available at USAFwellness.com. The CHPS office is located at the Wright Field Fitness Center on Area B. For additional assistance, contact the CHPS team at 937-904-9359 or CHPSsupport@us.af.mil. Happy New Year, and stay strong in your goals.