Every year, over 130 million Americans make a New Year’s resolution. Despite that, every year, only ten percent of that number complete their resolution. How come people make these resolutions if their chances of following through for the full year are so slim?
At OHS, students and staff might make resolutions to help motivate themselves to follow through on their work.
“[My resolution was] to try my best to do better for my program I want to get into…, [the] West-MEC Paralegal Law program,” said Izzy Lindsay, sophomore.
For others, the resolution is a way to help improve their physical health.
“This year, [my resolution is] to get 10,000 steps a day,” said Jaclyn Miller, school nurse at OHS.
However, a vast majority of the US population does not even attempt to make a resolution. While everyone has their own reason, most believe that a resolution is not helpful.
“I think January is [where] you’re feeling good about [your resolution, but] it starts to fade throughout February,” said Jayden Swift, senior.
For these people, the issue is the yearly goals—shorter resolutions are much more achievable.
“I plan to make [more] resolutions throughout the year, instead of making one huge resolution [at the start of the year]…,” Swift said. “[I make] monthly…, weekly, even daily [resolutions].”
While these goals are meant to be short, they should also push the creator to do something new yet realistic.
“I always say ‘you’ve got to set attainable goals,’” Miller said. “[You are] not going to all of a sudden start walking [10,000] steps in one day, so you [have] to set a goal that… you can accomplish, even if it pushes you.”
Setting a practical goal is not the only concern about keeping resolutions; creating reminders throughout the day is essential for the continuity of these goals. One of the best, and classic, ways to make a reminder is by using a calendar.
“[To keep their resolutions, others should] track their progress… [and] make a calendar and write down what they should accomplish each [day],” said Stephen Serritella, senior.
Another way people can be reminded of their resolutions is by using their phone’s built-in wallpaper.
“I stick [my resolution] on my phone [wallpaper] because I pick up my phone [so] many times a day,” Miller said.
By having a reminder system in place, whether using a wallpaper, calendar, or some other method, the chances of keeping a New Year’s resolution for longer increase.
“[People] say that your goals last longer if you can see [them] several times a day,” Miller said. “You’ll do better, and you’ll be more accomplished.”
No matter how people choose to make their resolutions, the best way to start is by making manageable goals and well-timed reminders during the day. Perseverance is the key to completing any New Year’s resolution.
“If you [make your resolution] something big, you’re probably gonna do it for a day and then [think], ‘this is too much for me, I’m just gonna give up,’” Swift said. “Start off with something small and slowly make your way.”
