Taking On New Year’s Resolutions During a Maine Winter

As the new year begins, a lot of people start thinking about resolutions. Some are big, some are small, and many fall somewhere in between. At the heart of it, New Year’s resolutions are about wanting to do a little better than last year, and that idea feels especially familiar here in Maine.

In Maine, resolutions often match the realities of daily life and the long winter season. People talk about staying active, getting outside more, or just taking better care of themselves when the days are short and cold. Others focus on community goals, like supporting local businesses, volunteering, or spending more time with family and friends. These goals may sound simple, but they can make a real difference.

For myself, health and fitness have already been a priority. I go to the gym regularly and stay committed to taking care of my body. This year, though, I decided to challenge myself even more by starting 75 Hard, a program created by Andy Frisella. It’s a mentally tough program built around discipline and accountability, not just physical fitness.

Some parts of the program will definitely test me. Drinking a gallon of water every day won’t be easy, but getting outside every single day may be the biggest challenge. In the winter, I usually work a lot and only go outside to get to and from my car. With 75 Hard, you have to complete two 45-minute workouts daily, and one of them must be outside.

That means walking in the rain, snow, wind, and whatever else a Maine winter throws my way. On weekends, I might mix it up with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice skating, but most days, I’ll just be walking, no excuses, for 75 straight days.

READ MORE: Three Activities To Do In Maine During The Winter Months

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be perfect, but they should matter to you. This year, mine is about showing up, even when it’s cold. Wish me luck.

So what about you? As a Mainer, or someone learning to live with Maine winters, what’s your New Year’s resolution, and how are you planning to stick with it when the snow starts piling up?