February 2026
At Providence, we believe caring for your mental and emotional health is just as important as caring for your physical health. With the right mindset — and a few small steps — lasting change is possible, one day at a time.
At the start of a new year, many of us set ambitious resolutions, hoping a fresh calendar will spark lasting change. But as unread books pile up and gym visits fade, even the best intentions can quickly lose momentum.
According to Robin Henderson, Psy.D., chief executive of behavioral health for Providence Oregon, that’s completely normal, and avoidable with the right approach. Dr. Henderson recently shared strategies on KATU for building habits that actually last.
“We used to think that you developed a habit in 21 days, and the reality is, it takes more like 66,” Dr. Henderson says.
Start small. Start today
One of the biggest reasons resolutions fall apart is that they’re often too big, too fast.
“Most people go into this and think, ‘Oh, I’ve got to change the world with my resolution … . I’m going to lose 50 pounds, I’m going to run a marathon, I’m going to do all the big things, I’m going to cure cancer,’” Dr. Henderson says.
Instead, she encourages focusing on what’s doable today. That might mean choosing a healthier snack, drinking an extra glass of water or doing 10 pushups. Small, consistent actions build momentum — and over time, they compound into meaningful change.
Let your goals evolve
As habits take shape, goals don’t have to stay fixed. Dr. Henderson recommends checking in with yourself throughout the year.
“You could actually set three or four resolutions now, and maybe midyear you reevaluate and go, ‘Wow, I’m pretty good at this book reading thing. Maybe I should try hydration,’” Dr. Henderson says.
If a goal starts to feel overwhelming, that’s not failure — it’s feedback. Dr. Henderson emphasizes the importance of flexibility and self‑compassion.
Sustainable routines are far more effective than rigid expectations. The key is aligning goals with personal values and creating habits that support the life you want to live.
Related
- Visit Providence Basecamp + Wellness Prevention for more tips on healthy habits.
- See Dr. Henderson's conversation on KATU.
- Learn helpful strategies for staying active indoors from a Providence Medical Group clinician.
