January 1st is when many of us declare our ambitious New Year’s resolutions. February 14th, Valentine’s Day, is a celebration of love—for others and, ideally, for ourselves. But what about the time in between?

It’s in that space where man's resolutions falter. Because human beings are naturally resistant to change. The truth is, you can’t become a new person overnight. On January 1st, you’re still the same person you were on December 31st. Actual change doesn’t happen in a single moment or day—it’s a process, not an event.

So here’s an idea: on February 1st, revisit your resolutions. Reflect on what you’ve learned so far and remind yourself that meaningful change happens one small step at a time. Celebrate your small victories and consider what baby steps you might want to take next.

The Change Model: Progress Over Perfection

Instead of striving for grand, immediate transformations, focus on small, manageable steps. Treat yourself with love and compassion this Valentine’s Day—not just for what you’ve accomplished, but for every effort you’ve made along the way.

For example, if your resolution is to exercise more, consider breaking it down into actionable steps:

• Invest in a quality pair of athletic shoes.

• Review your calendar and schedule specific times for exercise.

• Decide on a location—whether it’s a gym, a park, or your living room.

• Commit to exercising once a week and build from there. One of the natural results of exercise is that, eventually, you start to feel better, and the process becomes easier.

• Identify something you can delete from your schedule to make time for this new habit. For example, you could spend half an hour less on screen time or TV.

By approaching your goals with patience and practicality, you set yourself up for lasting success. Change isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistent, thoughtful progress.

Here’s to the time between resolutions—may it be filled with small victories, self-compassion, and plenty of self-love (Happy Valentine’s Day to yourself!).