As the new year settles in, so do empty promises to “change who we are” or to “become a new person.” But as the adage says, old habits die hard.

But failing to go to the gym every day for the first week of 2016 doesn’t mean you can’t change up your daily routine. It’s never too late.  

According to a survey conducted by Nielsen, a global information company, the top two  resolutions that people made for 2015 were to stay fit and to lose weight. Thirty-seven percent surveyed listed the former as their resolution, while 32 percent claimed the latter.

However, while the number of hopefuls was substantial, most admitted that they were unable to accomplish these resolutions. In a similar survey Nielsen conducted for 2014, the results showed that out of the 43 percent of Americans who expected to follow a diet program, 75 percent reported that they did not follow through.

While there are many factors that play into this widespread failure, one explanation is that people’s expectations of themselves are simply too high. When a new year rolls around, people feel this incessant need to change up their lives in a new and more fulfilling way.

But if you sit down and really think about it, you realize that a new year ultimately is just time moving forward. While we herald the new year with somewhat pretentious celebrations, at the end of the day, we are still the same.

To implement true change as a new year comes around, it’s all about dedication. A resolution is a firm decision to do something. The key word is “firm.”

Do this, Not that: Tips for setting fitness goals you can reach this year.

In order to change your routine, you must set realistic goals, pace yourself and most importantly, realize that a new year is not about being a “new you.” It’s about making new choices.

Instead of promoting the idea of new year new me, I say we proudly accept each year and choose to make new choices if we wish, but guided by a new philosophy.

While it may be a new year, it is still just the same me.