Everyone is excited, they’re gathered around a countdown watching the clock strike twelve. The clock finally strikes and everyone jumps for joy, excited/joyful that they made it to the New Year. After a long year of ups and downs, they are thrilled about finally getting a chance to restart. This day is a new beginning for them.

The new values that anticipate a new beginning are called New Year’s resolutions. New Year’s resolutions are personal commitments to improve ourselves. Some people set goals like, “I want to work out more” or “ I want to eat less junk food.” It’s a way to feel very optimistic about the year ahead. But why don’t they last?

New Year’s Resolutions often fail every year by February, because these goals tend to be unrealistic, lack accountability, burn out of excitement, and also because of the timing and readiness. Only 9% of people successfully keep their New Year’s resolutions. For some, January 1st is arbitrary; many can’t be psychologically ready for the huge demand that their body is demanding. For others, the surge of excitement isn’t enough to motivate them from day to day. If I can speak for myself and my opinion, I think they don’t work due to the unrealistic mindset. Our goals are mainly based on external factors and pressures rather than motivation. 

I asked faculty administrators and students of Capital City High School if they made a New Year’s Resolution and if so are they still following it here is what they said.

1. A teacher from the English department of Capital City High School, Mr Novatny says, “No and no. I didn’t make a New Year’s resolution because I feel like the New Year doesn’t mark a change. This change can take place anytime.”

2. A teacher from the English department of Capital City High School, Ms. Patzwald says, I didn’t make a New Year’s resolution because she lacks self discipline and has anxiety when it comes to sticking to the plan. 

3. A sophomore at Capital City High School, Xavier Adams, said “Yes I chose to keep on doing my work, I’ve been doing much better and have shown significant improvement, I have been following that.”

4. A senior at Capital City High School, Makai Petty, said I chose to drink more water this year, I’m still following it and staying on top of it. 

Now you may be asking how I can set a New Year’s Resolution goal that will last me until the whole year? I suggest that your resolutions are very specific and realistic to you, your time, and your plans. If you want to work out more you can break things down such as “ walk 15 mins 3 times a week instead of 7 times. You can also find a sense of accountability. Share your goals with family and friends so they can help and support you. If something goes wrong don’t feel discouraged, have backup plants to become more motivated. Lastly, try to build habits out of these goals as best as possible. Focus on becoming the person you want to be, not just focusing on a goal. 

In conclusion, New Year’s Resolutions may not be bad after all. If your goal doesn’t make it past February it’s ok. The goal just needs to be more realistic and aligned with your heart, mind, and time. The February wall may not hit you if you follow through. If you have some fun resolutions let me know down in the comments. If you need support, many websites support your goals revolving around weight loss, financial gain, and also learning something new.