As the year comes to a close, we all start to look back on the last 12 months, the good and the bad. All of the accomplishments we’ve achieved and obstacles we’ve overcome. All the changes we’ve made for ourselves and all the things we still want to work on. The New Year is always a time that brings excitement to people because it’s a chance to change. But how many people really change for more than a couple weeks or months? Sure, resolutions may be easy to come up with, but why are they so hard to stick to?
Every year I promise myself that I am going to start going to the gym, eating better, working harder and procrastinating less. Some of these things don’t ever even start, but the ones that do only seem to last a few weeks. Every beginning of the year I am highly motivated to be a better person, but by the middle of the year I always realized I haven’t changed at all. I may even get worse. Maybe I like to eat more than I like to run and maybe I can only do homework when its due in a few hours and I’m severely under pressure. I cant be the only one, right?
Junior Katie Dykstra said that the most common resolutions are the hardest to stick to because they need to be done on a daily basis. “What my New Year’s resolutions are is a hard question. I don’t even tend to think about it until the New Year comes,” said Dykstra. “I would have to say it would be going to the gym and actually sticking to it as well as being able to manage my time better. I’m always doing things last minute and driving myself crazy, so I want to work on improving my study habits,” Dykstra added.
Junior Annalisa Vitale said, “This year I want to become more involved in campus activities. I normally only stick to resolutions for a few weeks but if I’m a member of a club I will almost be forced to stick with it. Having to stick with things will be a good thing though, and will ultimately help me in the future.”
Associate professor of communication, Aaron Furgason, said, “The most popular resolution has to be weight loss, working out, and being healthy. My argument for why people don’t stick to resolutions is because it’s cold out. If people were trying to get these resolutions done in the summer it would definitely be easier to do. The fact that it is too cold out in January and the following months has to the reason why resolutions just don’t work.”
Fergason added, “My resolution would be to find and participate in a hobby, whatever that may be. It will help me keep myself busy and keep my mind off of work.”
After scrolling through the Internet for a while, I realized that no matter the great intentions and expectations people set for themselves, most resolutions fail. Whether it’s because people expect too much out of themselves or just don’t put the effort in, resolutions aren’t as easily met as we may think. At the same time, it’s all up to the person’s self control.
If you have a goal to lose a certain number of pounds, make time for the gym and don’t go for that extra scoop of ice cream in the freezer every night. If you have goals for being a better student or worker and less of a procrastinator, start your work earlier and be prepared. The key to New Year’s resolutions is to set realistic goals for yourself. That way, every little step of the way will be an accomplishment for you and you can think about rewarding yourself with that extra scoop of ice cream.
IMAGE TAKEN from blog.efinancial.com
