Every winter thousands of people make new year’s resolutions in hopes that they will be able to improve aspects of their lives. According to statistical surveys conducted by Statistic Brain about 41 percent of Americans usually make new year’s resolutions. However, about 42 percent of those people have failed on their resolutions each year.

Those who made resolutions expressed that they felt the beginning of the calendar year was the perfect time to get a kickstart on their goals. With all the inspiration flooding social media and the sales on new workout gear there seemed to be plenty of incentive for people who needed the extra boost. “The break was good for me because I got to relax and enjoy myself,” senior Brendan Dunn said, “but coming back to what I love makes me want to push myself even harder and become the best runner I can be.”

Students are putting in the work and even encouraging their peers to do the same to commit to their 2018 goals. Freshman James Licato originally planned to, meet his fitness goal by Christmas, but after failing to do so, has set a new target date for himself. “I liked the break and all, but you know, I lost about 100 dollars because I couldn’t get a six-pack by Christmas,” Licato said. “Now my new year’s resolution is to grind, work hard and diet, to get that exclusive pack.”  

Although some people have found success in their yearly resolutions, others have found themselves slacking or unable to meet their goals in the past. This has lead some students to feel discouraged or hopeless regarding their resolutions this year. Nonetheless, many are still making an attempt. “Last year I tried to run a 5k in under 22 minutes, and my personal record is 22 minutes and 44 seconds. I wasn’t able to train my body to go less than 22  [last year] which was kind of upsetting,” sophomore Jeanie Laybourn said. “However, I plan to improve by putting more effort into my running, even on days when I’m instructed to do an easy workout.”

Making new year’s resolutions is a familiar concept for many people, but the ritual is not for everyone. Some think that waiting for the start of a year to make changes is unnecessary and restrictive, and that failing can be discouraging. They may feel like they have to wait until next year to try again, defeating the whole purpose of what they set out to do in the first place. “I don’t like [making] New Year’s resolutions because it seems weird that people wait for a specific date to improve a part of their life when they could start whenever, if they get the motivation to do so,” sophomore Caroline Chappel said. “If waiting for January 1st is how you motivate yourself to improve something in your life, go for it.”

Physical education and health teacher Mr. Matthew Norris does not specifically encourage his students to make new year’s resolutions, but does push them to pursue a healthy lifestyle year round. Although Mr. Norris does not make new year’s resolutions himself, he does want to help students who do. “They should write them down, create a plan of action and have it posted somewhere visually so they can see them every single day and track their progress,” Mr. Norris said. “Studies say that it usually takes about 21 days for a habit [to form], so if they could push through for three weeks that sort of stuff becomes second nature, whatever it may be.”

As the new year unfolds, the topic of new year’s resolutions and goal setting becomes center stage. Although everyone has different intentions and ambitions, people are generally open to bettering themselves come December. “I think new year’s resolutions are a good way to challenge yourself and see how well you can follow through with goals,” Sophomore Emily Newman said. “I am excited to see how long I can stick to my new year’s resolution and actually follow through with my plans.”