By BRENDA 
I recently found out about something called National Quitter’s Day, and honestly, I had to pause.
Apparently, it falls on the second Friday of January, the day when most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions.
This year, that day landed on January 9th, 2026.
Like… y’all, staaap
Failure is celebrated now?
We’re already giving ourselves permission to quit barely ten days into the year?
Come onnnnn
Over the past year, I’ve become deeply curious about what happens when you don’t quit—when you stick to a plan, even imperfectly, and simply stay long enough to see what unfolds.
Especially after last year, I wanted to see how far consistency, intention, and grace could really take me.
I tried this approach with different areas of my life—from body goals to my creative outlet, blogging—and I can honestly say this:
When you stick to the plan, results really do manifest.
As I write this, I’m reviewing my January and reflecting on how far I’ve already come with my goals.
One tool that has been especially helpful is Mel Robbins’ “Best Year” workbook.
It gave me a practical yet reflective structure to work with, and I’d definitely recommend trying the exercise yourself.
In this blog, I want to share a few grounded, realistic ways to make this year your best yet by choosing how you live it without chasing perfection.
1. Reality Check: Looking Back Before Moving Forward.
One of the first things Mel Robbins’ workbook asks you to do is pause and reflect on the year that has passed—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
It’s about going down memory lane and asking:
What moments stood out, and what did they teach me about myself?
For me, a few moments from 2025 stood out clearly:
Traveling to two destinations in Africa—Kenya and Rwanda, something that deeply nourished my sense of freedom and curiosity.
Losing weight and reaching a 26-inch waist, a reminder of what discipline and consistency can do.
Witnessing two couple friends of mine get married, one at the beginning of the year and another at the end.
Realizing—shockingly—that I didn’t step on a bike the entire year (still processing this 🤔)
And perhaps the hardest of all: losing my childhood best friend.
These moments reminded me of an important truth:
Some things were within my control. Others were completely out of my hands.
2025 taught me that the things I can control require a deliberate, daily choice to manage.
And that’s what a true reality check does is ground you.
It helps you take responsibility without self-blame and move forward with clarity.
2. The Version of Me I Want to Become
Once you know where you’ve been, you can begin to see where you want to go.
Understanding where I currently stand in my health, fitness, travel, and lifestyle has helped me define the version of myself I’m intentionally growing into.
I actually wrote a separate piece on what 2025 taught me about becoming a better version of myself, including what I’m leaving behind and what I’m carrying into 2026.
One big realization?
2025 grounded me in routine, but it also revealed a pattern of inconsistency and procrastination disguised as valid excuses.
This year, I’m choosing differently.
I’m keeping my morning routine and workout habits, but I’m also becoming more intentional about:
- A consistent sleeping routine
- Taking regular social media breaks
- Protecting my energy as an act of self-care
Your experience may look nothing like mine, but I think we can all agree on one thing:
letting go of habits that no longer serve us is a powerful form of self-respect.
3. Choosing One Goal and Choosing It Daily
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: anything is possible, but nothing happens by accident.
Everything starts with now and with the small, intentional habits you choose every day.
Whether it’s body goals, a healthier mindset, slower living, or creative consistency, here are a few strategic ways to turn one goal into something real.
Know what you want and what success looks like.
Be clear. Vague goals don’t lead anywhere.
Start small, and trust that growth will follow.
Five minutes of ab exercises.
Fifteen minutes of cardio.
Every day, no matter what.
Small actions done consistently compound over time.
Make it part of your identity.
When you choose to do something before the world starts demanding your time and energy—like working out in the morning—you begin to see yourself differently.
You become the kind of person who shows up.
Build it into your routine.
Every day, I write down three things that would make my day feel successful.
My workout often lives on that list.
If it’s not written down, it’s easier to ignore.
Journal about the journey.
Journaling has been one of the most powerful tools in my life.
It helps me process who I’m becoming and gently release who I no longer need to be.
Review with kindness.
Pick a day—Sunday for example—to reflect.
Notice where you showed up, where you struggled, and remind yourself that progress counts, even when the week wasn’t perfect.
And finally, lead with grace.
Change is hard.
Transition is uncomfortable.
Growth requires patience.
And learning to be empathetic toward yourself during these seasons is divine wisdom.
Because yooo… change is really hard, but…. it’s also worth it.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you really can do anything you set your mind to.
Some days, you’ll need reminders.
Some days, faith will carry you.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Whatever your belief system, you are the captain of your own life.
And every day, you get to choose the direction.
Here’s to not quitting—and to becoming. ✨
Happy 2026!