Alumni | CommunityDecember 31, 2025

Start Strong: Tips for Setting and Sticking to Your Wellness Goals in the New Year

Written By: Ian Silvester

As one year ends and another begins, many people find themselves reflecting on personal goals. Whether it's improving their health, trying something new or simply building better routines, for those considering a fresh start, the new year can be a natural opportunity to focus on wellness.

At the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, Cory Williams, assistant director of recreation and wellness, shared practical strategies for setting meaningful goals, staying motivated and taking advantage of campus resources designed to support healthy habits.

 

Making and Setting Wellness Goals

“A wellness goal is any personal goal that helps improve your health, whether physical, mental or emotional,” Cory said. “These goals can be set to provide direction, build healthy habits and help you feel healthier and happier.”

Cory recommends using the SMART goal framework to guide goal-setting. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.

“These five factors are a great way to help you define a goal and identify clear pathways to progressively work toward completing it,” Cory said. 

 

Sticking to Wellness Goals

Cory says that following a structure like the SMART method can help build consistency and momentum.

“The best way to stick to your goal is first plan ahead with a framework such as the SMART method,” he said. “Once a plan and structure are in place, it really helps keep your goal on track to be completed.”

He also encourages building daily routines around the goal and finding someone to hold you accountable.

“Consistency will help make your new healthy habits stick long term, even past the time your goal is completed or finished,” Cory said. “Having someone in a similar journey as you or with similar interests is always positive.”

He added that interest and enjoyment are key to sticking with a new habit.

“If you’re a runner, set a goal that involves running. If you dislike or have no interest in running, the chances of you sticking with that goal are slim to none. Maybe you are more of a weightlifter or enjoy getting your daily steps in. Whatever the goal is, make sure it is something you enjoy doing!”

 

When to Start

While the start of the year is popular for new goals, Cory said there’s no wrong time to begin.

“Anytime is a great time!” he said. “But the start of the new year works because it feels like a big reset for everyone. Most people look at it as a clean slate with renewed motivation. It could also be a downtime for people after a busy holiday season. It still all comes down to planning and having a good plan.”

“Just go for it!” he added. “Set a well-detailed plan to set you up for success to help you complete your goal. I also like the idea of having smaller goals that are under the umbrella of the larger goal you are trying to reach. Complete those, reward yourself and work toward completing your goal in a timely manner.”

 

Campus Wellness Resources

UAFS also offers several free or low-cost resources to help students maintain their health and wellness goals:

• The RAWC (Recreation and Wellness Center) provides space and equipment for weightlifting, cardio, an indoor track, basketball and volleyball courts, a rock wall and group fitness classes. Programming schedules and sign-ups are available at https://linktr.ee/uafsrawc.
  
  
• The Powell Student Health Clinic, located in room 105 of the Math-Science Building, is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Eligible enrolled students may access free health services. For more information or to make an appointment, call 479-788-7444.
  
  
• The Student Counseling Center, located in room 214 of the Flanders Building, offers eight free counseling sessions per academic year to enrolled students. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 479-788-7752 or visit the center’s webpage.