January sparks big intentions: new routines, cleaner habits, a stronger, steadier you. But by February, most resolutions have unraveled. Certified Personal Trainer and Ave Luxe Co-Founder Zechariah Cesani says it’s not laziness — it’s a lack of clarity. Too many goals are built on excitement, not honesty about what we can realistically sustain.
In his view, real change starts with alignment.
Start With Self-Respect, Not Aesthetics
When asked how to apply self-respect to New Year’s resolutions, Cesani says it begins with defining success personally. “Everyone has a different definition of success, but failure is defined the same — not living up to our potential.” He adds that most fitness goals, whether strength or mobility, are really about moving away from a personal pain point.
People often abandon resolutions, he says, when their actions stop matching their intentions. “We feel convicted because what we say and what we do are not in alignment.”
Pursuing meaningful goals teaches people how to “show up” for themselves, Cesani notes — and those habits inevitably spill into other areas of life.
January Isn’t the Time to Go ‘All In’
One of the most common mistakes people make is approaching January with a sprint mentality. Cesani's advice is simple: start with a plan that feels realistic. “Motivation gets you started,” he says, “but discipline keeps you going.” And discipline only grows when a routine is sustainable.
Expect the Roadblocks Before They Arrive
When someone comes to him with a big goal — weight loss, improved mobility, race prep — Cesani starts by identifying what could interfere. “We have a preventative approach to training,” he says. He reviews injuries, surgeries, joint pain, and medical history, then tests movement and mechanics.
Addressing these “pain points” early is essential, he explains; if skipped, the body “can feed into an issue that should have been addressed,” making progress harder than it needs to be.
The Daily Habits That Make Change Possible
Cesani encourages clients to start with honesty. “Self-awareness is the first step to growth,” he says. A dramatic “why” isn’t necessary — just noticing the moments when you feel out of alignment.
He also distinguishes resolutions from goals. “Resolutions are not goals,” he explains. “They’re an agreement with yourself that no matter what happens… you will overcome it, long before any obstacle comes in your path.”
He adds that the right community helps normalize the habits needed for change. His team of trainers, he says, focus on attitudes and actions — what clients can control — and adjust the plan until they reach and eventually surpass their goals.
When Life Gets Busy, Let the Calendar Lead
For clients juggling demanding schedules, Cesani offers one of his most practical pieces of advice: “Allow your schedule to run your life. If it’s on the schedule, do it. If it’s not on the schedule, then it doesn’t happen.” For him, structure isn’t restrictive — it’s what protects consistency.
Celebrate the Progress You Can Feel, Not Just See
While many people focus on the scale, Cesani encourages paying attention to the less visible signs of improvement. Energy, clarity, mood, digestion, mobility, motivation, and even appetite are all indicators that a new routine is taking hold.
Plateaus Are Part of the Process
When motivation dips, Cesani doesn’t try to “pep talk” people out of it. Instead, he reminds them of the conviction that brought them into the process in the first place. “We don’t motivate clients,” he says. “We remind them of their convictions and meet them where they are.”
The Real Key to a New Year
In Cesani’s view, resolutions don’t fail because people fall short. They fail because the structure supporting them was never honest, realistic, or grounded. Change lasts when it comes from alignment, self-respect, and a plan that accounts for both ambition and imperfection.
This year, he hopes people approach their resolutions not as promises of perfection, but as steady, reinforced agreements with themselves — the kind that withstand the calendar rather than crumble under it.
The Ave Luxe S.M.A.R.T. Start 2026
For Cesani, the phrase “New Year’s resolution” falls short. He prefers a S.M.A.R.T. Start — a clearer, more grounded way to approach change. The framework, he says, gives people the fundamental structure they need to set meaningful, workable goals.
Specific
Clarify the exact goal, resolution, or conviction you’re committing to.
Measurable
Define how you’ll track progress so you know when you’ve reached it.
Achievable
Be realistic about your capacity — including time, resources, and ability.
Relevant
Ensure the goal aligns with your values and the life you’re trying to build.
Time-Bound
Set a clear deadline. As Cesani notes, a goal without a timeframe is just a pipe dream.