New Year’s Resolutions Rise in Northern New York 2026
A New Year, New Goals
In the chilly town of Watertown, New York, the first weekend of 2026 brought a fresh start for David Bassette. On a cold day in Thompson Park, he took his child sledding, marking the beginning of a new year filled with possibilities. For Bassette, this year is different—he’s making a New Year’s resolution that goes beyond personal health or fitness.
“I haven’t made one in the past couple of years because it gets so cliche,” he said on Saturday. “But this year I decided to start something new.”
Bassette’s resolution is not about diet or exercise; it’s about politics. He plans to run for mayor, a bold move that he admits will be challenging. However, he sees it as an opportunity to make a difference in the city he calls home.
“I love this city,” he said. “I own a business here. Why not be a part of it? Why not help make it better?”
His journey begins with simply getting his name out there. “One step at a time,” he said. “We’ll figure it out. I might as well start now.”
The Most Common Resolutions
While political ambitions are rare, health-related goals remain the most popular resolutions. Many people focus on improving their diets or increasing physical activity. According to Michelle Graham, Senior Director of Health and Wellness at the Watertown YMCA, behavior change can be difficult but rewarding.
“Behavior change can be really tricky,” Graham said. “As long as you keep moving forward, recognize there may be bumps in the road. I may fall off a little bit, but I can always get back on and renegotiate those goals again.”
Graham shared her insights during a visit to the Digital News Desk earlier in the week, discussing the importance of setting realistic goals when it comes to New Year’s resolutions.
“If you approach things in a really positive way, that’s what you’re going to get out of it,” she said. “It’s really that simple. Look for the joy. Look for the joy in each and every day.”
Setting Realistic Goals
Graham emphasized the importance of starting small and being kind to oneself throughout the process. She encourages people to think about what they want to add to their lives rather than what they need to subtract.
“If you look at the new year, what’s one new thing that you want to change?” she asked. “It doesn’t mean we have to subtract anything necessarily. Maybe we want to add something new.”
She also highlighted the value of community support in maintaining healthy habits. For those looking for assistance with fitness-based resolutions, the YMCA will be offering a group weight loss program starting Monday, January 5th.
Finding Joy in the Journey
Ultimately, the key to successful resolutions lies in finding joy in the process. Whether it’s running for office, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or simply taking time to enjoy the little moments, the goal is to create meaningful change.
For Bassette, the journey has just begun. As he takes his first steps into the world of politics, he remains focused on the bigger picture—making a difference in his community.
For others, the path might involve a trip to the gym, a new hobby, or simply a commitment to kindness and self-care. No matter the goal, the message remains the same: start small, stay positive, and keep moving forward.
- Soal dan Pembahasan: Sistem Periodik Unsur - January 16, 2026
- Menteri Agama soal pembentukan Ditjen Pesantren: Insyaallah segera terwujud - January 16, 2026
- New Year’s Resolutions Rise in Northern New York 2026 - January 16, 2026




Leave a Reply