Couch vs. Confection: The Thumbprint Cookie Showdown

By Nicole Rapp

Every January, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions—a firm decision to do or not do something. Whether it’s quitting smoking, spending more time with family, or committing to daily exercise, resolutions represent hope for positive change. But let’s be honest: sticking to them is hard. Studies show that many resolutions fizzle out by mid-January. So, how do you make yours last?

Resolutions often fail because they’re vague, overly ambitious, or lack a clear plan. “Exercise more” sounds great, but what does that look like in real life? Without structure and motivation, it’s easy to slip back into old habits—especially when the couch, cozy blanket, and Aunt Helen’s Thumbprint cookies are calling your name.

Here are practical strategies to help you succeed:

1. Start Small and Be Specific Instead of saying, “I’ll exercise more,” commit to something measurable:
   “I’ll go to the gym three times a week for 30 minutes.”
   Small, achievable goals build momentum and confidence.
2. Plan for Obstacles Life happens—bad weather, busy schedules, tempting snacks. Anticipate these challenges and have a backup plan. If it’s icy outside, opt for indoor workouts. If cookies are calling, allow yourself one and move on without guilt.
3. Make It Enjoyable Choose activities you love. Hate running? Try biking, dancing, or walking with a friend. Enjoyment increases consistency.
4. Reward Yourself Motivation thrives on rewards. After a workout, treat yourself to something relaxing-a soak in the hot tub, a good book, or a favorite playlist. Rewards don’t have to be food; they can be experiences that make you feel good.
5. Find Accountability Share your goals with a friend or join a group. A quick text, “Meet me at the gym?”-can make all the difference. Accountability partners keep you on track when motivation dips, so work out with a friend!
6. Track Your Progress Use a journal or app to record your efforts. Seeing progress, even small wins, reinforces your commitment.
7. Give Yourself Grace Missed a workout? Ate an extra cookie? Don’t quit, just reset. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.

Instead of viewing resolutions as rigid rules, think of them as opportunities for self-discovery. What motivates you? What habits make you feel your best? These insights are your true “New Year’s Revelations.”

What have you decided TO DO or NOT TO DO this year?  Quit smoking, spend more time with the family, start walking the dogs daily? I personally have committed to exercising more, albeit was not a new year’s resolution but a decision I made a commitment to long before the midwestern arctic air took hold.  

Some of the most popular new year’s resolutions according to Newsweek are, “exercising more, being happy, and eating healthier”.  A firm decision to go to the gym and workout, or not! Hmm, the question further begs of the conscience- to grab another homemade thumbprint cookie from the stash Aunt Helen sent over a week ago, or count how many calories are in a cookie or two before consuming, What if we considered how much time it would take exercising to burn off those calories?!   Oh wait, did I just talk myself into a second cookie when I haven’t fully intended to get to the gym to work out?  Yes, my thoughts do sometimes rattle on like this.  

 So, just how long would I have to work out if I nibbled a couple of cookies? Let’s take a look! On the elliptical I could burn 300 calories in approximately thirty minutes. This would be no small feat! I could also choose biking, but it would have to be indoors. The Midwest is cold, typically icy, and not conducive to a good bike ride outside this time of year. But a good bike ride can destroy 210-466 calories in the blink of an eye, or rather a rotation of the metatarsals. Biking in the Midwest in the spring through fall months offers a great escape to relax by breathing in the fresh air, and the harder and faster you pedal; the more of a breeze you get! Walking for thirty minutes can burn 80 to 250 calories depending on the speed you are walking. Running for fifteen minutes expends a similar amount -70 to 300 calories.  I would not recommend walking or running in icy conditions, so look for indoor treadmills or walking tracks, and ask a buddy to join to keep it fun!! Now I will throw in a disclaimer about asking your physician before you start any fitness routine, blah, blah, ask your doctor and or nurse practitioner, lest we forget about those brilliant physician assistants, who are also quite capable! I don’t mean to speak lightly about that last statement; it is important and necessary to get a healthy/well-check evaluation and the go-ahead statement from your qualified health professionals.

So here I am, faced with the ultimate holiday conundrum: two thumbprint cookies—shall I devour them or march off to the gym? Those little pillows of joy, crowned with a perfect dollop of icing (Aunt Helen, you witch of deliciousness), are calling my name.

First, I must make a solemn, iron-clad vow: pack a bag, change into workout clothes, fill a water bottle, and actually drive to the gym. Sounds simple, except my couch is staging a full emotional appeal. It’s draped in a cozy blanket, my dogs are curled in like tiny, judgmental marshmallows, and the book I started is making its best impression of a cliffhanger.

The couch and I have a complicated relationship. It didn’t eat the holiday snacks—my stomach did—but it definitely feels the aftereffects of my holiday-enthused rump settling in. (No, not grandma’s roast—though now I’m craving gravy. Again.)

Back to the cookies. Are they guilt or glory? Workout warrior or cookie conquistador? The decision hinges on one question: can I pry myself off the couch without betraying the sweet, flaky legacy of Aunt Helen’s baking?

• Resolutions aren’t about punishing yourself—they’re about creating a life you enjoy. Start small, stay flexible, and celebrate every step forward. And if you need a little extra push, remember: the gym will still be there tomorrow, but so will Aunt Helen’s cookies—choose wisely!

As for me- tune in for an update to see which wins: the iron will of a gym bag… or the siren call of two perfect thumbprint cookies!