“I’m going to lift 150.”
“I’m finally going to write that book.”
“I’ll start eating better.”
A tradition explored around the world, at the beginning of each year people make themselves new goals and accomplishments they want to set for themselves called “New Year’s resolutions.” These goals vary for everyone, some people like to do them for themselves. Others prefer to do them for other people, because they believe it to be more motivational at times. Some goals can be getting more fit, traveling more, expanding hobbies, or just trying new things in general. It is a sort of personal renewal; a global sense of hope.
The motivation behind setting these goals can come from personal experiences, or challenges from the previous year.
Mrs. Bradley, an art teacher at Liberty, shared that her New Year’s resolution was “to be more active.” She explained that being active is better for her mental health and overall well-being. Although Mrs. Bradley has made similar resolutions in the past that did not stick, this year she is taking it more seriously for both her mental and physical health. She plans to stay consistent by setting realistic expectations for herself. By taking small steps at a time, she hopes to avoid burnout and stay motivated. This approach allows her to turn her resolutions into a long-term habit rather than a short-term goal.
Mr. Strayhorn, a social studies teacher at LHS, is already being proactive and beginning to achieve his resolution of traveling more. He plans on going to San Francisco to visit his brother. He has not had any past goals that he stuck with, but he is feeling confident about this year’s resolution.
Every new year comes with fresh beginnings and exciting new things you may want to try. New Year’s resolutions help people change and reflect on new goals.
Cody Zhang (10) said his New Year’s resolution was to try and be more consistent with work, school, and try not to “fall off” in general. Zhang said he has gotten distracted a lot during his high school experience, especially through freshman year. He wants to see change in himself, because he had a hard time and wants to improve. Zhang has made this goal in the past and didn’t stick with it, which is why this year he wants to be more motivated with what he chose so he can start to see change.
These resolutions highlight the hopes and goals people have for the new year, and remind us that this is an excuse to change, see growth, and more positivity in our daily lives.
