Resolutions often fail because they’re huge. Instead, try baby steps to get you to your goals faster than giant leaps. Here’s how little changes can add up to pretty significant benefits for three popular goals - along with your ideas about what works to keep you on track and motivated toward your goals.

Goal: Move More
A little adds up: Women who walked at a moderate pace for 20 minutes three times a week for three months improved their aerobic fitness by 12 percent, according to research. But walking isn’t the only way to get moving. Choose any activity you enjoy - be it walking, cycling, or dancing - and aim for a minimum of 20 to 25 minutes a day. Break it down, if you have to, into two 10-minute sessions. Slowly increase the frequency, duration, and intensity in small increments. What works for you?

“A morning bike ride to the beach.”
- Roxanne B.

“A long run with my wife.”
- David G.

“We walk at 7 a.m. - our treat on the fifth day is Panera.”
- Betty Z.

“Biking to Panera with my baby for some freshly baked bread!”
- Caroline K.

Goal: Manage Stress
A little adds up: Stress can trigger everything from headaches and bellyaches to sleep and skin problems. Fortunately, some simple steps can bring you big relief. In fact, just taking six calming breaths is all it takes to reduce your systolic blood pressure by nearly 10 mmHg, according to research. Inhale deeply and expand your belly. Exhale and release all of your tension. How do you make stress release part of your day?

“A quiet morning before the rush of the day.”
- Krystal N.

“I take a deep breath and drink Panera iced tea.”
- Bridgette H.

A morning ritual: “Yoga, morning sunshine through the trees, cinnamon scone, coffee - heaven!”
- Cheryl K.

“Take time for yourself.”
- Mike W.

“Sharing with friends.”
- Carole M.

“When stress is intense at work, I refocus by taking a break at Panera.”
- Thomas P.

“My day gets better once I go for a run outdoors.”
- Heidi L.

Goal: Eat Better
A little adds up: Research has found that people who eat more than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day have roughly a 20 percent lower risk of heart disease compared with people who eat less than three servings per day. Aim to up your intake of fresh produce when you’re eating out and at home.

Another little step that makes a big difference: not skipping breakfast. People who don’t eat in the morning are four-and-a-half times more likely to be obese than those who make breakfast a habit, according to research conducted at the University of Massachusetts.

How do you make smart eating part of your day?

“I fuel my body with fresh food.”
- Linda W.

“My morning freshly made strawberry parfait gives me the energy I need to get my day running smoothly.”
- Marlyn B.

“[Panera Bread^®’s] Breakfast Power Sandwich keeps me energized until lunch time.”
- Liz C.