Every January, we’re surrounded by health resolutions. Train harder. Lose weight. Get fitter. Be healthier.

The intention is good, but resolutions can have a tendency to fail when they lack clarity, purpose, structure, and feedback. Effort without direction can lead to frustration, and when progress seems fleeting, motivation can suffer.

I like to think about resolutions differently.

Metrics Are the Starting Point

For me, it starts with metrics. I use them as a way to establish a clear starting point. That said, I do understand that while I’m comfortable starting with data, this can feel very personal for some people. Since opening Evolving Health, I’ve had many people tell me they’re hesitant or afraid to see their metrics. That moment of hesitation is more common than most people realize, and it's okay. If that's where you find yourself, it's important to honour that, but try to remember that knowledge is power. Metrics don’t define you, they inform you.

• VO₂ max
• Body composition
• Strength
• Asymmetry
• Metabolic flexibility
• Resting Metabolic Rate

These numbers aren’t labels—they’re starting points. They establish a baseline that helps orient the path forward and track meaningful change over time.

Without metrics, people often default to:

• Doing too much of what they’re already good at
• Ignoring blind spots
• Copying programs built for someone else
• Chasing intensity when consistency would be better

With metrics, training becomes purpose-driven:

• Cardiovascular work has intent
• Strength work has direction
• Recovery has justification
• Progress can be verified, not guessed

What's Your Why

It's important to take some time to consider your why.  Purpose-driven resolutions answer one simple question:

“What is my motivation?”

• To support healthier body composition
• To preserve muscle as you age
• To build and protect your cardiovascular reserve
• To improve metabolic flexibility
• To remain capable, resilient, and independent
• To perform better at something you love
• To reduce long-term disease risk

When resolutions have a why, they become sustainable.  Progress lasts when it’s anchored to a clear reason for doing the work.

Measurable Progress Changes Behaviour

One of the most powerful things we see in the clinic is what happens after someone understands their data.

Engagement.

When people can see:

• A rise in VO₂ max
• Positive changes in body composition
• Strength and muscle growth
• Reducing asymmetries
• Cardiorespiratory efficiency improving

They are inspired to pursue their goals with renewed focus and momentum.

Measurement creates trust—in the process and in themselves.

A Different Kind of Resolution

So how do you bring it all together?

It starts by committing to a more durable resolution—one built on the principles that allow progress to last.

That means beginning with clarity: knowing where you are today and having a structured plan for how to achieve the goal you’re working toward. It means being guided by purpose, measuring your progress, and allowing room to adjust as you go.

When those pieces are in place, effort has direction. Progress becomes easier to recognize. Motivation doesn’t have to be forced—it builds naturally as momentum develops.

That’s the kind of resolution that holds—and we’re here to support you, whatever your goals.

Wishing you a healthy New Year!