Along with the excitement and hope for the future that comes with the beginning of a new year, there is also an opportunity to work on creating a “new you,” and turn over a new leaf. The opportunity to do so arises on January 1st of every year, with the chance to make a New Year’s resolution, or multiple, to do something that will benefit either ourself or others. However, making a long term resolution is easier said than done. The most common resolutions range from various diets in an attempt to lose weight or get fit, to helping those in need. The first few weeks of starting anything new are often easy, refreshing, and make one wonder why he or she never lived a certain way before. However, as time goes on excuses start to form and the thought, “one day won’t hurt!” comes more frequently. Unfortunately, in most cases, one day will turn into multiple days, then a week, sometimes even a month, and before long, another New Year has come around, and we are thinking of another resolution that will not be kept .
The irony of New Year’s resolutions is that many of us know the unlikeliness of maintaining long-term commitments, and yet we still make the far-fetched promises to ourselves. “When I think of New Year’s resolutions, I think of people only sticking to them for the first week,” said Caroline Wren ’16. Kalyn Nix ’17, cannot help but agree, “I think most people make New Year’s resolutions, but it is a lot harder to keep the resolutions than to make them. I think many people struggle with following through with their resolutions after about the first month of trying it out”. Based on a recent study on New Year’s resolutions by the University of Scranton, statistics show that approximately 46% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions on the strike of midnight on December 31, but only a fraction accomplish them, a surprising 8% making it successfully to the end of the year. However, the collection of data from a vast range of different genders, races, and ages, shows that those under the age of 50 are more likely to achieve their resolution each year.
Despite the fact that many people are not always successful with keeping a New Year’s resolution, the resolutions do help many people change themselves for the better. There are ways to shape resolutions so that they are more achievable. For instance, before making a resolution, have a set plan or routine to follow through with the resolution, so there are no last minute excuses. It is a good way to start with a fresh slate in terms of mind-set and rejuvenates a personal sense of determination when goals are set. Brendan Wren ’16, explained his ambitions for the New Year, “My New Year’s Resolution is to try my best to have the Friend’s basketball team have a winning record.”
An admirable 47% of New Year’s resolutions are targeted on self-improvement or are education related. Before setting goals, many have to take a step back and think, “this is what I want to do, and this is how I will get there.” Charlotte Donoho ‘16 shared, “New Year’s is a time to change yourself for the better.” Though not always effective, New Year’s resolutions present a useful opportunity for everyone to start over.
Whether New Year’s resolutions were established since January 2nd of 2014, or will still be percolating up until New Year’s eve, there is a never a bad time to set goals. Whether resolutions will be focused on self improvement, relationships, or service, any step forward is one in the right direction, and it is up to each and every one of us to make the next year better than the last.