Every new year brings novel challenges, experiences and hurdles, some unexpected, heartbreaking or joyous. One thing that remains constant is the age-old tradition of New Year’s resolutions.
“I think New Year’s resolutions are a comforting concept that helps prompt people to make commitments that they wouldn’t usually adopt if it were an ordinary occasion,” senior Liad Studnik said.
The concept of a New Year’s resolution is far from new, originating from ancient times, the practice has been ingrained into society. The setting of goals gives people something to look forward to throughout the year and employs the sense of motivation that rolls in with the new year.
“People make new years resolutions in order to fix a part of themselves that they weren’t proud of last year, but also since everyone else is doing it,” junior Christoper Calderon said. The most common resolutions seem to be about self improvement. Going to the gym, eating healthier and fixing a mental state are frequent resolutions–yet the question of whether they are upheld is a separate issue.
“The best type of resolution is a goal or change that not only changes you on the outside like hitting the gym or getting better grades, but one that can change your whole mentality or personality for the better,” Calderon said.
If resolutions are followed through, they can be a positive change in lives, but it’s understandably difficult to carry out a promise made on day one, over the next 365.
“Personally, a new year doesn’t really carry the ‘new’ connotation the phrase suggests, but its beginning does offer a fun day to be sentimental and prompt an outlook into the upcoming year,” Studnik said.
For many, the idealism of new year, new me, has faded into view. The emphasis has seemingly shifted to just being the best possible version of oneself all the time. While it is definitely not a bad thing to create the resolutions, the restrictiveness of it may hold some back.
“They aren’t anything as special as any other day,” Calderon said. “If you want to change a part of you that holds you back or a version of yourself you want to be, why wait till New Years? Do it now.”
