Don’t Fall Back - Start Before January: Why November Is the Real New Year for Women Over 50

Last week marked 12 weeks since my hip replacement surgery, and instead of slowing down, I’ve decided this is my season to build back strength. A few months ago, my focus was on recovery. Now it’s about momentum and I’m sharing why starting before January for women over 50 can completely change how the new year begins.

I see it every year, people say, “I’ll get back on track after the holidays.” But waiting for January is exactly how most women stay stuck in the same cycle. Six weeks may not sound like much, but it’s plenty of time to create change that carries into the new year. You don’t need a clean slate, you just need to start before January.

Why Waiting for January Doesn’t Work

We love the idea of a “fresh start.” New planners. New programs. New motivation. But what usually happens? We spend November and December giving up, only to start January feeling frustrated, heavier, and further from our goals.

After surgery, I could’ve easily told myself, “I’ll focus on strength again after the holidays.” But I know that story, it leads to lost momentum and more frustration. Instead, I chose to rebuild one rep, one walk, one small victory at a time.

Consistency beats resets every single time. You don’t need the perfect time, you need to stop hitting pause.

What You Can Actually Accomplish in Six Weeks

Six weeks of focused effort can transform how you feel heading into the new year.

You can:

• Regain strength and confidence in your workouts

• Improve energy and digestion

• Sleep better and feel less bloated

• Fit into your favorite jeans again

Six weeks of consistent action now is exactly what starting before January looks like...steady, smart, and sustainable.

In the last six weeks, I’ve gone from cautious body-weight movements to feeling strong under a barbell again. That didn’t happen overnight, it happened through daily choices. The same is true for you. If you start now, you’ll meet January already in motion, not playing catch-up.

 The Mindset Shift: Why Starting Before January Matters for Women Over 50

The biggest change I’ve made in my hip-replacement recovery is dropping the all-or-nothing mindset. Some days my best looked like walking my dog. Other days it was completing my full strength session. Both counted.

So many women over 50 believe that if they can’t do everything perfectly, it’s not worth doing at all. But that perfection mindset keeps you stuck. Progress comes from doing something, not from doing everything.

As I tell my clients: “Start messy, finish strong.” Give 60% effort for six weeks and you’ll still be 100% ahead of where you’d be if you waited for January.

 Practical Ways to Stay Consistent Through the Holidays

Here’s how I’m staying on track right now, nothing extreme, just consistent habits that work even during the busiest season:

• Prioritize protein. Make it the first thing on your plate at every meal.

• Move daily. Walks count. Strength sessions count. Everything adds up.

• Hydrate. Water helps control cravings, energy, and recovery.

• Plan, don’t punish. Enjoy the parties, the treats, and the moments but plan ahead so they don’t throw you off completely.

  
  

My plan is simple: walk daily, lift four times a week, hit my protein goal, and drink my water. No overhauls, no guilt. Just structure that keeps me feeling good and moving forward.

Don’t Fall Back—Build Momentum Now

Surgery could’ve been my excuse to check out for the rest of the year, but instead, it’s become my reminder to finish stronger than I started.

You have that same opportunity. Six weeks is enough time to feel more confident, stronger, and in control of your choices. You don’t need resolutions; you need momentum.

So as everyone else hits pause, decide to press play. You can wait for January, or you can start showing up now and meet the new year already feeling strong.