Stop Starting Over: Rethinking Resolutions
Mon Jan 26 2026
Every January, we tell ourselves this is the year — new goals, new habits, new routines. And yet, for many people, that motivation quickly turns into frustration and the feeling of having failed.
In this solo episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis explores why so many people feel stuck in a cycle of starting over when it comes to their health. Drawing on her experience as both a physician and a certified personal trainer, she explains why this pattern isn't about laziness or lack of willpower — but about how health goals are often framed.
Dr. Davis breaks down the all-or-nothing mindset, the pressure of time-bound goals, and why unrealistic or overly restrictive plans tend to fail. She shares reflections from patients and clients who feel defeated when life intervenes, and offers a more realistic, sustainable approach to health that allows for flexibility without guilt.
This episode reframes health as a long-term process built on consistency rather than perfection, emphasizing how small, repeatable changes compound over time and play a critical role in chronic disease prevention and longevity.
Key Topics Discussed
- Why many people feel stuck in cycles of starting over
- The all-or-nothing mindset and time-bound health goals
- Why most resolutions fail and what the data actually shows
- How unrealistic and restrictive plans undermine consistency
- Personal reflections from patients and fitness clients
- Why small changes compound over time
- Consistency as the foundation of chronic disease prevention
- Rethinking resolutions using a more flexible framework
- Why sustainable habits matter for longevity and overall health
Resources & References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
https://www.cdc.gov
American Heart Association – Lifestyle & Prevention:
https://www.heart.org
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Physical Activity & Health:
https://www.nih.gov
Connect With Us
Dr. Keisha Davis, MD
https://drkeishadavis.komi.io
The Medical Collective
https://www.medical-collective.net
Recommended Episode
My Enduring Faith in Science
More
Every January, we tell ourselves this is the year — new goals, new habits, new routines. And yet, for many people, that motivation quickly turns into frustration and the feeling of having failed. In this solo episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis explores why so many people feel stuck in a cycle of starting over when it comes to their health. Drawing on her experience as both a physician and a certified personal trainer, she explains why this pattern isn't about laziness or lack of willpower — but about how health goals are often framed. Dr. Davis breaks down the all-or-nothing mindset, the pressure of time-bound goals, and why unrealistic or overly restrictive plans tend to fail. She shares reflections from patients and clients who feel defeated when life intervenes, and offers a more realistic, sustainable approach to health that allows for flexibility without guilt. This episode reframes health as a long-term process built on consistency rather than perfection, emphasizing how small, repeatable changes compound over time and play a critical role in chronic disease prevention and longevity. Key Topics Discussed - Why many people feel stuck in cycles of starting over - The all-or-nothing mindset and time-bound health goals - Why most resolutions fail and what the data actually shows - How unrealistic and restrictive plans undermine consistency - Personal reflections from patients and fitness clients - Why small changes compound over time - Consistency as the foundation of chronic disease prevention - Rethinking resolutions using a more flexible framework - Why sustainable habits matter for longevity and overall health Resources & References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov American Heart Association – Lifestyle & Prevention: https://www.heart.org National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Physical Activity & Health: https://www.nih.gov Connect With Us Dr. Keisha Davis, MD https://drkeishadavis.komi.io The Medical Collective https://www.medical-collective.net Recommended Episode My Enduring Faith in Science